Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

Featuring

Noriko Ogawa
Modest Mussorgsky

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Recording & Production

For the unfinished operas Khovanshchina and Sorochintsy Fair, the piano score is considered the Urtext, as most parts were orchestrated after Mussorgsky's death.

Performer Biography

Noriko Ogawa, the pianist, won third prize at the 1997 Leeds International Piano Competition and is a national celebrity in her native Japan.

Compositional Technique

A 'bell' motif, symbolizing the Russian spirit, is used throughout the album, appearing in Boris Godunov, Khovanshchina, and Pictures from an Exhibition.

Interpretation

Noriko Ogawa, the performer, uses the facsimile of Mussorgsky's original manuscript for Pictures from an Exhibition to ensure an authentic rendition.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mussorgsky wrote Pictures from an Exhibition during a time of turmoil in his country, and the bell motif symbolized his hope for Russia to regain its pride.

Recording & Production

This album aims to present Mussorgsky's works as he originally conceived them, by bringing his original piano scores back to life.

Composer Biography

Mussorgsky completed Pictures from an Exhibition in just three weeks, inspired by a commemorative exhibition for his friend, architect and artist Victor Hartman.