Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy

Portrait of the impeccable Russian classical pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy. Edition 1/1 Original artwork by Siapou. Created on CSP, 1024x1280 pixels, 300 dpi. Performed by V.D.A. Recorded live. Music by Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition - "Samuel Goldenberg e Schmuÿle" Two Ashkenazi/Polish Jews meet: Samuel is rich, fat, big and proud of his wealth; Schmuÿle, is small, thin, insistent and whiny. The latter, in a petulant, whining voice, insistently asks the other for money. The irruption of Samuel's motif, which overlaps with Schmuÿle's, signals the latter's disdainful refusal to be moved by the poor man's entreaties. Finally, after the abrupt interruption of the squabble, a last sorrowful idea seems to represent - in the accent that concludes it - Schmuÿle's sobbing. The use of the minor third interval in Schmuÿle's theme recalls Jewish music, as does the dominant Phrygian scale.