Steven Osborne's 2013 album, "Mussorgsky: Pictures from an Exhibition; Prokofiev: Visions Fugitives & Sarcasms," is a captivating journey through the intricate worlds of two Russian compositional giants. This classical piano album, released under the Hyperion label, offers a rich and diverse listening experience that spans a little over an hour.
The album begins with Mussorgsky's iconic "Pictures at an Exhibition," a suite that paints vivid musical portraits of various scenes and characters. Osborne's masterful interpretation brings each movement to life, from the whimsical "Gnomus" to the grand "The Great Gates of Kyiv." The piece is interspersed with "Promenade" sections, serving as musical walkways that guide the listener through the exhibition.
The second half of the album features Prokofiev's "Visions Fugitives," a collection of 20 brief piano pieces that showcase the composer's versatility and innovation. Each vision is distinct, ranging from the delicate "Lentamente" to the fiery "Presto agitatissimo e molto accentuato." Osborne's technical prowess shines through in these complex and evocative works.
The album concludes with Prokofiev's "Sarcasms," a set of five piano pieces that are as witty as they are challenging. Osborne's performance captures the sarcastic and playful nature of these compositions, providing a fitting end to this remarkable album.
With his nuanced and expressive playing, Steven Osborne offers a fresh and compelling perspective on these classic works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
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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