Pictures at an Exhibition – Comparative Study Playlist

For each movement, I’ve included 1) original piano, performed by Alfred Brendel; 2) original Ravel orchestration, performed by Leonard Bernstein/New York Philharmonic; 3) Paul Lavender band transcription, performed by the Michigan State University Wind Symphony at the Midwest Clinic in 2013.

Please note that I’m posting these comparative recordings solely for the purpose of recognizing the progression of the orchestration from the original piano solo to Ravel’s orchestration to Lavender’s transcription. My intent is that we recognize power, subtlety, color, etc. inherent in the original piano work, and how it was orchestrated through Ravel to our version. I’m not endorsing tempi or interpretation. (In fact, I am not fond of the Bernstein recording; so many odd tempi, especially the Promenandes.) And I certainly do not advise trying to listen to all this in one sitting! It will be better if you listen to 2-3 at a time, and allow yourself to enjoy the subtle differences.

When you click the Play button, give your browser a little time to load the recording. It will be ready when the status bar is fully white. Blue indicates the progression of the playback.