Alice Sara Ott: Pictures

Hefty piano works are brought to life on this impressive live recording. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 28 January 2013.

Alice Sara Ott's interpretation of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition captures almost an entire orchestra's worth of musical colour and emotion in this live album, recorded at a performance in St Petersberg. Whether it's the stately solo notes in the opening Promenade, quirky clashing moments in Gnomus, or the huge meaty chords in the Great Gate of Kiev, each movement, representing different moments on a journey round a gallery, is full of personality - and Mussorgsky's well-known tunes are second to none.

The hefty Russian masterwork is complemented by an exuberant Schubert sonata. Again, the work, lasting just under 40 minutes, includes a wide range of musical moments - from the low growling tunes in the Scherzo, to the delicate whirling moments in the Rondo, the music shows off the best of Schubert's compositional talents, captured by a brilliant young pianist.

Alice Sara Ott's effortless characterisation ensures this musical roller coaster of an album is thrilling at every turn.