Mussorgsky-Ravel - Pictures at an Exhibition - S Celibidache, Stuttgart RSO (1976) [Philidor; FLAC]

The years Sergiu Celibidache spent in Stuttgart in the 1970s were relatively serene. By this time his tempi had begun to slow down, and he concentrated on details of phrasing and dynamics which--when they didn't grind things to a halt--were often revelatory. This Pictures is a case in point. The Tuileries movement never takes flight, and Baba-Yaga comes to a standstill in its central section (despite some strongly rhythmic, almost danceable, rhythms at the start and finish). On the other hand, the extremely flexible accenting in Gnomus is a delight, Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle have never been better characterized, and the concluding Great Gate of Kiev has in my mind never been equaled. He does three things with it: transform the Stuttgart brass into Russian imperial brass; balance the triadic harmonies so as to mirror those of a Russian religious choir; and subtly emphasize the modal nature of the main melody. It is a stunning conclusion to an idiosyncratic but fascinating recording of this favorite.


Bio inside. As always, you can find my classical uploads by searching on Philidor, or going to this thread:

http://kickasstorrents.ee/community/show/philidor-s-classical-stuff/?page=3#post15657024