Product Review

At the time of it's release - 1960 - ansermet's stereo recording of the mussorgsky-ravel pictures at an exhibition was demonstration worthy, and it still, today, retains it's sense of space and impact. Much of the remainder of the program makes it's first international appearance on CD, and the 'dance of the persian slaves' (from khovanshchina) and the little gopak from sorochintsy fair will be especially sought after by collectors. The CD of mussorgsky orchestrations is filled-out with a comparative rarity - balakirev's haunting symphonic poem tamara, a temptress who seduces and murders ill-fated travellers.