Tag: Mussorgsky

The Best Prog Bands You’ve Never Heard Of (Part Thirty-Six): Fireballet

On By Connor MullinIn progressive rockLeave a comment

Progressive rock + Mussorgsky = symphonic prog epic. That equation has appeared to work out well at least twice in prog rock history. Like Emerson, Lake, and Palmer before them, Fireballet, an American band inspired by their talented cousins across the pond, gifted to the music world a progressive spin on one of the Russian master’s classic compositions. But there’s more here than Mussorgsky! So, without further ado, here’s my brief take on each of the songs:

“Les Cathedrales”, a ten-minute piece reminiscent of a medieval fairy tale (thanks in part to some spoken word lyrics), opens with a beautiful symphonic flourish of keys and synth (courtesy of Brian Hough and Frank Petto). There is a clear Genesis/Happy the Man vibe throughout the song, but also a fun twist: Ian McDonald (who also produced the album), makes a brief guest appearance on saxophone.

The next two pieces – “Centurion” and “The Fireballet” – feature more superb work by the two keyboardists and from guitarist Ryche Chlanda. Despite their shorter lengths, both songs manage to fit complex melodies and fun counterpoint into (relatively) smaller packages.

“Atmospheres” is the shortest and gentlest piece on the album, reminiscent of the soft opening to Genesis’s “The Musical Box.” It is a welcome break from some of the more frenetic moments of the previous three songs.

The title track nearly lives up to its grand namesake. Opening with the same melody as Mussorgsky’s masterpiece, the band then add some interesting percussive and synth touches for a more progressive spin on the original. Furthermore, this version of the classic piece includes vocals, and lead singer Jim Cuomo is at his best here, ranging from a soft Jon Anderson to a screaming David Byron or even Ian Gillan. Each musician shines on this one, however, and overall it is a solid tribute to one of “The Five.”

One would like to believe an album produced by Ian McDonald with an epic title track would certainly be destined for success. But, alas, it was not to be. Fireballet may not be as renowned as Modest Mussorgsky, but Night on Bald Mountain would certainly be a worthy addition to any prog lover’s collection.

Vladimir Feltsman – Pictures at an Exhibition – Live at Ravinia

On By Bryan MoreyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Vladimir Feltsman, Piano

August 8, 2016, Martin Theatre, Ravinia, Highland Park, IL

Brahms – Four Ballades, Op. 10
Brahms – Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79
Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition

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Last night, I was fortunate enough to see Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, as well as some selections from Brahms, performed live by brilliant pianist, Vladimir Feltsman. Feltsman was born in Russia in 1952, and he made his piano debut at age 11 with the Moscow Philharmonic. He continued his study at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky State Conservatory in 1969, later studying conducting at the Moscow and Leningrad Conservatories. In 1979, after years of growing increasingly frustrated with the Soviet Union’s communist suppression of artistic freedom, Feltsman applied for an exit visa. The communists responded by banning him from giving public performances and suppressing his recordings. After eight years of this, he was allowed to leave the Soviet Union and move to America, where he soon made his debut performance at Carnegie Hall. He is now an American citizen, and he currently lives in upstate New York with his wife. All this to say, the man is a brilliant musician and a lover and defender of freedom.

Photo courtesy of Ravinia Festival
Photo courtesy of Ravinia Festival – this was not taken at last night’s concert

Ravinia is probably the finest music venue in the Chicago area, if not the entire country. Ravinia opened in northside Chicago suburb Highland Park in 1904, and it has been the summer residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936. It even hosted one of George Gershwin’s final public performances of Rhapsody in Blue. It is also the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States. The venue is situated mere blocks from Lake Michigan in a lovely older suburban area. The park has a covered pavilion with seats, as well as a much larger lawn area, complete with old oak, maple, and birch trees, among many others. The site also features the Martin Theatre, which has beautiful prairie style architecture, stained glass windows, and chandeliers, as well as wonderful motifs painted on the ceiling. It is a wonderful example of early 20th century prairie style architecture. The park also includes multiple high class restaurants with excellent cuisine, with a menu that changes for each performance.

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