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Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition is a monumental suite for solo piano, composed in 1874 as a tribute to his recently deceased friend, the architect and painter Viktor Hartmann. It’s a captivating journey through an imaginary exhibition of Hartmann’s artworks, each movement musically depicting a different piece.
Due to its complexity, “Pictures at an Exhibition” is generally considered an advanced-level piano piece. Pianists aspiring to tackle this work should have a strong foundation in technique, a keen sense of musicality, and the ability to convey emotion through their playing.
The suite comprises ten movements, linked by a recurring Promenade theme that evokes the act of walking through the exhibition:
- Promenade: A jaunty, almost circus-like melody sets the stage.
- Gnomus: A mischievous, limping tune portrays a misshapen gnome walking on crooked legs.
- Promenade: The strolling wanderer reappears.
- The Old Castle: A somber, majestic piece evokes a medieval fortress.
- Promenade: Our guide returns, slightly melancholic.
- Tuileries Gardens: A playful, lighthearted scene depicts children at play.
- Bydlo: A lumbering oxcart creaks its way through the music.
- Promenade: The wanderer pauses, lost in thought.
- Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks: A delicate, playful melody portrays chicks attempting to dance.
- Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle: Two contrasting characters come to life: the rich and pompous Goldenberg and the poor and jovial Schmuÿle.
- Promenade: A final introspective stroll leads to…
- The Market at Limoges: A lively and chaotic marketplace erupts in sound.
- Catacombs: A dark and solemn movement evokes wandering through dimly lit crypts.
- Cum mortuis in lingua mortua: A Latin inscription on a tomb leads to a hauntingly beautiful melody.
- The Hut on Fowl’s Legs: A grotesque, dancing hut comes to life with discordant harmonies.
- The Great Gate of Kiev: A triumphant finale depicts the majestic gates of the city, culminating in a powerful and uplifting conclusion.
