Search - Leif Ove Andsnes :: Pictures Reframed- Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition From Memories of Childhood; Schumann: Kinderszenen

A mostly straightforward Pictures plus a refined Kinderszene

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 12/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Andsnes is an impeccably cultivated, accomplished pianist whose artistry has never interested me. He is beloved in England and cannot get a bad review there. His abilities are considerable, and he has maintained a prominent profile despite the influx of dazzling Russian pianists. Here he takes on Richter, Kissin, Bronfman, et al. at their own game. Like Horowitz, Andsnes discreetly adds octave doublings and fills out chords where needed -- many players consider Mussorgsky's original scoring a bit bare and unpianistic. His tinkering is nowhere near as idiosyncratic as Horowitz's, however. I haven't seen the special edition DVD that combines the music with a video presentation, but frankly it sounds rather gimmicky. I have never been able to fully appreciate classical music when there are visual distractions present.



As for Andsnes's interpretation, it is accomplished and middle of the road, lacking the stunning technique of KIssin on RCA, the riveting energy of Richter on Philips, or the nervous volatility of Horowitz on RCA. These are performances that totally transform the work. Does it need transforming? I suppose that depends on your age. To the young this is new music; to me, after decades of hearing it, it's a worn shoe. Andsnes's reading was greeted by the Gramophone as a special event. I hear nothing really extraordinary at all. Take your choice.



After four little heard Mussorgsky miniatures, we get to another major work, Schumann's Kinderszenen. Through no fault of his own, Andsnes is once again up against Richter, Horowitz, Kempff, and later stars like Argerich as Schumann interpreters (not that Richter recorded Kinderszenen specifically. All are capable of infusing this apparently simple music with haunting nuance and indelible personality. However, this is a more successful reading than the Mussorgsky, because Andsnes cannot be faulted for stylishness and cultivation. This is a reading much in the mold of Murray Perahia, eschewing overt personality in favor of refined musicality. If such a style suits you, here is an impeccable example. I find it just a trifle too impersonal myself."

Jaw-dropping innovation

Classics Lover | 11/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leif Ove Andsnes plays Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition with a combination of dedication, virtuosity and understanding which few in any other living pianists bring to it. You can just hear how much love is being poured from Leif's fingers tips to the keyboard. This release only entices me to go a buy a ticket to his upcoming performance at Lincoln Center. I've always been a fan of Leif Ove Andsnes not only because he's an amazing pianist, but also because he's an innovative musician. That's why I found Pictures at an Exhibition such an amazing recording. What a brilliant idea of working with South African-born visual artist Robin Rhode to create a special program, Pictures Reframed, which centers around Pictures at an Exhibition combining music, video and still imagery."

Half a piece of art

soskelnt | Germantown, TN USA | 01/30/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Musically and technically this is awesome. Having been enticed to view the ads about this item I was intrigued about combining visual art and the auditory experience. However, it was not exactly clear (I know, it did say CD) from the ad that there was not a visual component to this product. I kept looking through the packaging to see if I missed the video part of it. If the online presentation did not mention the visual artist and refer to their live performances I might not have been so disappointed. On the other hand this wonderful recording has rekindled my enthusiasm for "Pictures" and reminded me of the initial arrangement for piano which I must now try for myself. A bonus is the inclusion of Schumann's Kinderszenen which is also played flawlessly and with great musical sensitivity."