Chris Mullins:
>By comparison, I just received and started to play a disc of Russian
>music conducted by George Szell. The "Pictures" is so tidy and clean,
>almost chamber-like, and I don't dismiss that - some sections come across
>quite well. Overall, however, I miss the passion. Szell seems loath
>to play with the tempo and build up a gaudy climax. No tingles as Szell's
>"Pictures" blares to a close. Gergiev provided plenty.
Definitely disagree there. I know of no Pictures (Ravel orchestration)
as majestic or as blazing as Szell's, including Gergiev's.
Steve Schwartz