The 13 movements of the suite are played in order, each movement giving the pianists an opportunity to explore Mussorgsky's musical ideas and improvise upon them in different ways. There are echoes of jazz keyboard greats like Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum and Thelonious Monk.
There are also moments that remind the listener of George Gershwin and his use of jazz elements in works like the Concerto in F and the Rhapsody in Blue. There are even quotations from "Summertime" and Beethoven's Fifth. But there is always the classical foundation to build upon, the "Promenade," "The Great Gate of Kiev."
Katsenelenbogen and Ivanovitch have created a unique blend of styles and ideas that is both truly worthy of its source and can stand alone on its own merits. It is a magical reworking that will find an audience with lovers of classical music and jazz enthusiasts as well.
For those of you who would like a taste of the work, check out the finale on YouTube.
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