Kirill Gerstein's "Imaginary Pictures" is a captivating journey through the world of classical piano, released on June 2, 2014, under the Myrios Classics label. This album is a testament to Gerstein's virtuosity and his deep connection with the romantic repertoire. The disc features two monumental works: Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Schumann's "Carnaval, Op. 9."
"Pictures at an Exhibition" is a suite of ten movements, each depicting a different scene from an art exhibition. Gerstein's interpretation brings out the vivid imagery and emotional depth of each piece, from the playful "Gnomus" to the haunting "Catacombae." The "Promenade" themes, which recur throughout the suite, are rendered with a sense of journey and reflection.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Schumann's "Carnaval," a set of character pieces inspired by the carnival of masks. Gerstein's playing is full of charm and wit, capturing the playful and sometimes melancholic moods of each character, from the coquettish "Coquette" to the introspective "Eusebius."
With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, "Imaginary Pictures" offers a rich and varied listening experience. Kirill Gerstein's masterful performances bring these classic works to life, making this album a treasure trove for lovers of classical piano music.
Tracks
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade IModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: I. GnomusModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade IIModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: II. Il vecchio castelloModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade IIIModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: III. Tuileries (Dispute d'enfants après jeux)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: IV. BydloModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade IVModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: V. Ballet des poussins dans leurs coquesModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenberg und Schmuyle (Deux juifs – L'un riche et l'autre pauve)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade VModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: VII. Limoges – Le marché (La grande nouvelle)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIIIa. Catacombae (Sepulcrum romanum)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIIIb. Cum mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: IX. La cabane sur des pattes de poule (Baba-Yaga)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Pictures at an Exhibition: X. La grande porte (de l'ancienne capitale Kiev)Modest Mussorgsky, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: I. PréambuleRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: II. PierrotRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: III. ArlequinRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: IV. Valse nobleRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: V. EusebiusRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: VI. FlorestanRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: VII. CoquetteRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: VIII. RépliqueRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
Carnaval, Op. 9: IX. SphinxesRobert Schumann, Kirill Gerstein
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