Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition; Stravinsky: Three Dances From Petrouchka
Ivan Moravec's performances of the Scherzos make an interesting contrast to the supercharged versions of Cyprien Katsaris (Teldec). Katsaris is often frenetically fast, and he convinces you by overwhelming you. Moravec is more nuanced, mellower, more downright sensible. Yet he never lacks for excitement, and in the end his playing is a more profound and satisfying statement of the music. The other selected Chopin pieces are just as satisfying, and the recording, made in the legendary Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, is extremely realistic. This is one of the better Chopin recitals currently available.--Leslie Gerber