Sviatoslav Richter - Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky: Piano Works (1994) CD-Rip

Sviatoslav Richter commands legendary status in the keyboard world with almost superhuman technique and a level of intensity never exceeded in my memory. On this Melodiya album, the pianist performs the Tchaikovsky Piano Sonata No. 3 and Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition. Pictures was recorded in 1958.

The Tchaikovsky Piano Sonata No. 3 is rarely heard in the recital hall. It sounds more like a piano transcription of an orchestral work than one written for piano, and the chord-oriented work cumbersome on the keyboard. With full orchestra, I'm sure the effect would be quite beautiful. As it is, however, there is little about it to love. The pairing of the Tchaikovsky Sonata with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition is appropriate. The first SHOULD have been an orchestral work. The second found its greater popularity (in Ravel's orchestration) AS an orchestral work. The difference between the two is that Pictures is an astonishing piano work. The Tchaikovsky Sonata is not. To make matters worse, the Melodiya sound leaves much to be desired. The piano sound is distorted, especially at peaks. Moreover, the recording/reproduction makes Richter sound as though he bangs his way through the sonata. Nuff said?

Pictures at an Exhibition is an entirely different matter. Mussorgsky originally composed Pictures for piano, later orchestrating it. The original orchestration was not successful. Kuchar and a Ukraine orchestra, I believe, recorded both the original and the Ravel orchestrations. Getting back to topic, Richter gives one of the finest accounts that will likely ever appear. Unfortunately, the dated sound again suggests that Richter banged his way through this one as well. I doubt that is actually the case, but the hard, distorted sound makes it sound as such. Richter's dynamic shading, impeccable technique, and ability to individualize each picture all come together to produce a superb performance. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Great Gate of Kiev. The power and total control wielded by Richter is truly astonishing. No kidding. The Great Gate of Kiev in Richter's hands is capable of evoking tears, so watch out! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the magical performance - NOT the distorted sound!!!