Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

Chicago and Reiner at their best

It is difficult to put into words how much I enjoy this music. While I realized that this had been recorded in the 50's and I was prepared for some background noise, what I received instead was a kind of majesty and purpose that is difficult to find today in an orchestra or its conductor. There is no doubt about the glorious interpretation of this music and the orchestra is likewise single minded.
I freely admit that I purchased this CD realizing that my only copy on digital vinyl left me tied to my listening room at home. I also freely admit that I purchased this with the intent on revenge against the Mustangs playing what passes for music these days, a cacophony of filthy lyrics and vulgar pounding. I have to say that the result is both worthwhile and pleasurable, watching people with their baseball caps on backwards cringe at the sound of a real orchestra. Such is true delight!
In addition, I have found that when I arrive at a destination with this CD, I almost always finish listening to the selection before exiting the car, even when it makes me a few minutes late. There are few pleasures in life beyond music that, even though hopelessly romantic and idealized, stirs the soul and helps us focus on greater things. If nothing else, this recording is a sharp contrast to the shoddy values of the modern age, both in content and execution.
October 3, 2007

If only we had more "tyrants" like this one.

The only comparable orchestra to Reiner's late fifties Chicago Leviathan was another Midwestern ensemble a few hundred miles to the east in Cleveland (also commanded by an expatriate Hungarian Jewish maestro).

It's a toss up over which orchestra was better, but this disc features ensemble playing of such overwhelming strength and authority that I can hardly think of a Szell/Cleveland recording that tops it, especially since the RCA Living Stereo sound is far better than the shabby sonics of Columbia/Sony.

Glinka's "Russlan and Ludmilla: Overture" alone is worth the unbelievably low admission price. The orchestra is simply on fire and it was captured in fabulous fifties sound that hasn't aged.

If a little tape hiss puts you into a hissy fit then by all means avoid this disc. (And also avoid those musty old paintings in the Prado and the Metropolitan.) Otherwise just buy it and crank up the volume to something approaching the hundred-plus decibels Reiner heard as the CSO burned onto tape one of the finest recordings in the history of classical music. May 16, 2007

This orchestra really is a cut above

From the moment the brass open the Promenade, it's instantly apparent just how flawless and precisely this orchestra plays. This is the most perfect intonation I have heard on any recording, ever. I have to agree with other reviewers in saying that even being 50 years old, this recording sounds better than a lot of recent CDs I own. Everything is unbelievably crisp and clear. Congratulations to Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for an amazing job.

I should mention though, the previous reviewer is right, there IS tape hiss throughout the CD. It isn't loud and I for one don't find it irritating, but it is more noticable than on other recordings I have. The liner notes also explain it- "to preserve the quality of the source material during transfer, we rejected any process by which tape hiss or other minor imperfections in the source material could be minimized at the expense of the original musical program's sonic integrity". I am glad at this choice.

All in all, an absolutely fantastic version of one of the great masterpieces of the 19th century. At the absurdly low price of $7.95, I don't see any reason to pass this one up. March 6, 2007

"White"/Background Noise Problem

I was very excited when I found this recording of "Pictures at an Exhibition," however I have been slightly disappointed. Musically the performance is amazing, and is without a doubt the best that I have ever heard. Unfortunately, there is a lot of background/"white" noise in the recording that becomes very noticeable especially in the softer moments of the piece. It's almost like hearing nails on a chalkboard.

This "white" noise goes away by turning the volume down, however the music suffers from this as well. I have not had this problem with other CDs/recordings. January 14, 2007

Fritz Reiner Conducting- Chicago Symphony

Fritz Reiner brings out the best in Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition with full clear presentations of each section of the piece. The clarity of the recording is just great. January 4, 2007

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