For a long time, I have been toying with the idea of arranging a classical piano cycle for a jazz trio. I chose Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky, which has provoked many artists to create their own versions of this famous work. Doing something so crazy and at the same time responsible requires skill and artistic flair so you can immerse yourself deeply in the classical music. It also takes a lot of courage to translate it via your own emotionality and even more courage to improvise.
In the course of my work, I deliberately mentioned what I was doing to some friends of mine, classical musicians, and they all reacted identically, “Just don’t ruin them!”.
I have tried to make the entire cycle sound very different from the traditional performance. The most difficult part was to adapt it to my performance style, but I believe my objective to refresh it via my musical manner was achieved. My years of experience in the crossover music field has taught me to do it with enormous respect for the composer and the piece.
Of course, my music partners and friends Hristo Yotsov and Dimitar Karamfilov, without whom the album would not have been possible, played the most important role. These brilliant musicians and exceptional improvisers with a serious knowledge of the classics and jazz contributed greatly to the music acquiring the intended particular aesthetics, energy and personality.
We sincerely hope this music will entertain, inspire and even provoke you.
And if you are wondering what Mussorgsky had in common with jazz, the answer is – nothing...
Jazz is the most liberal of arts that finds common ground with everyone and everything.
1. Promenade I
2. Gnome
3. Promenade II
4. The Old Castle
5. Tuileries
6. Cattle
7. Ballet of Unhatched Chicks
8. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
9. Limoges the Market
10. Catacombs
11. With the Dead in a Dead Language
12. Baba Yaga
13. The Great Gate of Kiev
Konstantin Kostov - piano
Hristo Yotsov - drums
Dimitar Karamfilov - double bass
