This enjoyable program adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Pictures at an Exhibition gets a very good reading–not perhaps the most virtuosic, given limitless competition, but perfectly respectable nonetheless. Every section of the orchestra plays well, from the solo trumpet at the opening to the winds in their many sectional solos. It may be that Bydlo moves a bit vivaciously for an oxcart, and Limoges comes across as a touch cautious (better that than the frantic mess so many other performances make of it), but Baba Yaga and The Great Gate of Kiev sound spectacular, and the conclusion is thrilling.
Conductor Daniele Callegari encourages the orchestra to strut its stuff, and also offers some nicely inflected touches of phrasing that add to the sense of spectacle without any suggestion of mannerism. All of this is enhanced by extremely natural sonics in SACD multichannel format, vividly recreating the aural picture of a large orchestra in a warm acoustic space. The remaining items are similarly well done, and it’s particularly good to see Ravel’s orchestrations of selections from Schumann’s Carnaval making a rare appearance. (Note: There’s one more track here than listed in the CD booklet, though the titles are correct.) Fun!
