Various Composers - Pictures from One's Exhibition (Konstantyn Napolov; Ralph van Raat)

Information

• Modest Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Marijn van Prooijen & Konstantyn Napolov)
• Katherine Ching-Fang Teng - Aoi Aoi ano Sora… to Umi…
• Alam Hernandez - The Fox and the Pheasant
• Jasper de Bock - De Bock's Brushstrokes
• Arefeh Hekmatpanah - Glass

Konstantyn Napolov, percussion

Ralph van Raat, piano

Merel Vercammen, violin

Date: 2026

Label: 7 Mountain Records

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A vibrant new release from 7 Mountain Records showcases Ukrainian percussionist Konstantyn Napolov, pianist Ralph van Raat, and guest violinist Merel Vercammen in a striking reimagination of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Arranged by Dutch composer Marijn van Prooijen for percussion, piano, and optional violin, this complete cycle unveils the classic work through a bold, modernized sonic palette. Enhancing this fresh perspective are four newly commissioned "pictures" by emerging composers Jasper de Bock, Arafeh Hermatpanah, Katherine Teng, and Alam Hernández. Together, these contemporary additions seamlessly expand Mussorgsky’s iconic gallery, offering classical listeners a compelling bridge between traditional masterpieces and innovative modern composition.

Ukrainian-born percussionist and conductor Konstantyn Napolov (b. 1987) is an acclaimed champion of new music known for his virtuosity, imaginative soundscapes, and pioneering commissions. Trained in Kyiv, The Hague, and Strasbourg, he has earned top prizes at prestigious international competitions, including the ARD Musikwettbewerb and TROMP Percussion Eindhoven. Napolov has given over fifty world premieres, collaborating closely with renowned composers such as Steve Reich, Kaija Saariaho, and Maxim Shalygin. Through his foundation, the Dutch Golden Collection, as well as his chamber projects and critically praised recordings on the TRPTK label, he continually expands the boundaries of contemporary percussion repertoire worldwide.

Ralph van Raat (b. 1978) is a Dutch pianist renowned for his dedication to 20th- and 21st-century music, a passion he has pursued since adolescence. While his repertoire spans from Bach to Boulez, his focus lies on composers from Debussy, Bartók, and Ives to contemporary figures. Many leading composers, including Louis Andriessen, Gavin Bryars, Frederic Rzewski, and Tan Dun, have dedicated works to him. Van Raat has performed more than 60 piano concertos with orchestras worldwide, released over 35 albums, and received numerous international awards. A Steinway Artist since 2003, he also teaches in Amsterdam and Turin, and appears frequently in media.

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