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