Sviatoslav Richter - Great Pianists of the 20th Century, Vol. 82

Sviatoslav Richter's 1958 recital recording here of Pictures at an Exhibition is worth the price of admission alone: simply put, it's a classic that has all too often fallen out of print. The performance makes this double-CD volume in Philips's Great Pianists of the 20th Century series one of the most enthralling in the catalogue. The Russian's power throughout the Pictures is truly infectious. "The Market-Place at Limoges" tickles the listener with bustling energy, while "The Great Gate of Kiev" is at its most riveting in the thunderous hands of Richter. The third movement of Prokofiev's Seventh Sonata chugs like a locomotive at full speed and with the types of deft touches that a jazz musician would provide. Aside from an incorrect track listing (the third Promenade in Pictures isn't listed in the notes as its own track), there's not a gaffe found on this excellent sampler. --Jason Verlinde