Dive into the rich world of classical piano with Olli Mustonen's captivating album, featuring a trio of masterful compositions. This recording, released on December 1, 1992, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, showcases Mustonen's virtuosity and deep understanding of the repertoire.
The album opens with Modest Mussorgsky's iconic "Pictures at an Exhibition," a suite that brings to life a series of paintings by Viktor Hartmann. Mustonen's performance is marked by its clarity and expressive depth, allowing each movement to stand out with its unique character, from the haunting "Gnomus" to the triumphant "The Great Gate of Kiev."
Following Mussorgsky, the album presents Mily Balakirev's "Islamey," a technically demanding piece that Mustonen navigates with impressive agility and precision. The work's exotic influences and virtuosic passages are brought to the forefront, highlighting Mustonen's exceptional skill.
The album concludes with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Children's Album," a collection of charming and melodic pieces that offer a delightful contrast to the more intense works that precede it. Mustonen's interpretation is both playful and nuanced, capturing the innocence and joy of childhood.
With a total duration of one hour and four minutes, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts. Olli Mustonen's artistry shines through in every note, making this a standout recording in his discography. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience.
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 1. Morning PrayerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 2. Winter MorningPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 3. MamaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 4. HobbyhorsePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 5. Toy Soldiers' MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 6. The New DollPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 7. The Sick DollPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 8. The Doll's FuneralPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 9. WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 10. PolkaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 11. MazurkaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 12. Russian SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 13. Peasant Playing an AccordionPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 14. Kamarinskaya (Russian Dance)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 15. Italian SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 16. Old French SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 17. German SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 18. Neapolitan SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 19. Nursery TalePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 20. Baba Yaga the WitchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 21. DaydreamsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 22. Song of the LarkPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 23. Organ-Grinder's SongPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141: 24. In ChurchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo rustico, senza allegrezza, ma poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre vivoModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Old Castle. Andantino molto cantabile e con doloreModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato non tanto, pesamente - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Tuileries Gardens. Allegretto non troppo troppo, capricciosoModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre moderato, pesanteModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. Andante. Grave-energico - AndantinoModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro giusto,nel modo russico, poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Market-place at Limoges. Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Catacombs (Sepulchrum romanum). Largo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: Con mortuis in lingua mortua.Andante non troppo, con lamentoModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga). Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev. Allegro alla breve. Maestoso. Con grandezzaModest Mussorgsky, Olli Mustonen