Steven Osborne delivers a captivating performance in this 2013 release, showcasing his profound understanding and mastery of classical piano repertoire. The album presents a compelling blend of Mussorgsky's iconic "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Prokofiev's lesser-known yet equally captivating works, "Visions Fugitives" and "Sarcasms."
Osborne's interpretation of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a journey through vivid imagery and evocative melodies, each movement painting a distinct scene with remarkable clarity and depth. From the haunting "Il castello vecchio" to the whimsical "Ballet of the Chickens in Their Shells," Osborne's playing brings each tableau to life with striking detail and emotional resonance.
In Prokofiev's "Visions Fugitives," Osborne demonstrates his technical prowess and musical sensitivity, navigating the rapid shifts in mood and tempo with aplomb. Each of the twenty brief pieces offers a glimpse into Prokofiev's imaginative world, and Osborne's nuanced performances highlight the composer's unique voice. The "Sarcasms," too, receive a masterful treatment, with Osborne fully exploiting the demonic and grotesque imagery that characterize these early works.
The album's duration of just over an hour allows for a comprehensive exploration of these works, with Osborne's playing throughout marked by a deep understanding of the composers' intentions and a commitment to musical expression. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the brilliance of both the composers and the pianist.
Tracks
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade 1Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: I. GnomusModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade 2Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: II. Il castello vecchio "The Old Castle"Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade 3Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: III. TuileriesModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: IV. Bydlo "The Oxcart"Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade 4Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: V. Ballet of the Chickens in Their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenberg and SchmuÿleModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade 5Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: VII. The Market at LimogesModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIIIa. Catacombae "Sepulcrum romanum"Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIIIb. Cum mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: IX. The Hut on Fowl's Legs "Baba-Yaga"Modest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Pictures at an Exhibition: X. The Great Gates of KyivModest Mussorgsky, Steven Osborne
Sarcasms, Op. 17: I. TempestosoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Sarcasms, Op. 17: II. Allegro rubatoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Sarcasms, Op. 17: III. Allegro precipitatoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Sarcasms, Op. 17: IV. SmaniosoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Sarcasms, Op. 17: V. PrecipitosissimoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: I. LentamenteSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: II. AndanteSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: III. AllegrettoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: IV. AnimatoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: V. Molto giocosoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: VI. Con eleganzaSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: VII. PittorescoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: VIII. CommodoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: IX. Allegretto tranquilloSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: X. RidicolosamenteSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XI. Con vivacitàSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XII. Assai moderatoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XIII. AllegrettoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XIV. FeroceSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XV. InquietoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XVI. DolenteSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XVII. PoeticoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XVIII. Con una dolce lentezzaSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XIX. Presto agitatissimo e molto accentuatoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
Visions fugitives, Op. 22: XX. LentoSergei Prokofiev, Steven Osborne
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