This recording was made in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on August 25 and 26, 2010, using 24-bit recording technology for enhanced dynamic range and resolution.
Composition History
Mily Balakirev, a founder-member of 'The Five', entrusted the premiere of his difficult work Islamey to Nikolay Rubinstein, a virtuoso pianist from the opposing academic school.
Critical Reception
Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition only achieved widespread recognition through various orchestrations, notably Ravel's 1922 version for conductor Serge Koussevitzky, rather than its original piano form.
Composition History
Mussorgsky composed his Pictures at an Exhibition in less than three weeks in 1874, inspired by an exhibition of sketches and paintings by his recently deceased friend, artist and architect Viktor Hartmann.
Historical Context
The 'Mighty Handful' (or 'moguchaya kuchka') were five Russian composers who championed Russian music in the 1860s, often in contrast to the academic traditions of the Rubinstein brothers.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The 'Mighty Handful' composers, despite their focus on Russian music, were also influenced by Western composers like Liszt, whose style can be heard in several works on this album.
Performer Biography
Pianist Philip Edward Fisher began his musical training at age nine, made his concerto debut at twelve, and has performed with orchestras worldwide.
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