Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition: Once Upon a Masterpiece

Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is a suite of ten piano pieces that evoke a series of paintings by his friend, Viktor Hartmann. Composed in 1874, the work has become one of the most popular and enduring pieces of classical music. It is a masterpiece of musical storytelling, and its vivid imagery and emotional depth have captivated audiences for generations.

The Genesis of the Work

The idea for "Pictures at an Exhibition" came to Mussorgsky after he visited a memorial exhibition of Hartmann's paintings in 1874. Hartmann had died the previous year at the age of 39, and Mussorgsky was deeply affected by the loss of his friend. He decided to compose a musical tribute to Hartmann, and "Pictures at an Exhibition" was born.

Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (Once Upon a Masterpiece Book 2)

by Anna Harwell Celenza

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13728 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

The Paintings

The ten paintings that inspired Mussorgsky's suite are as follows:

1. "The Gnome" - A grotesque dwarf with a long, crooked nose and a malicious grin.
2. "The Old Castle" - A crumbling medieval castle, its walls overgrown with ivy.
3. "Tuileries" - A scene of children playing in the Tuileries Gardens in Paris.
4. "Bydlo" - A heavy, lumbering oxcart.
5. "Ballet of Unhatched Chicks" - A group of chicks dancing in their shells.
6. "Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle" - Two Jewish men, one rich and one poor.
7. "The Marketplace at Limoges" - A bustling market scene, with people buying and selling goods.
8. "Catacombs" - A subterranean passageway, with skulls and bones scattered about.
9. "The Hut on Fowl's Legs" - A small, wooden hut perched on top of a pair of chicken legs.
10. "The Great Gate of Kiev" - A massive gate, the entrance to the city of Kiev.

The Music

Mussorgsky's music vividly captures the essence of each painting. "The Gnome" is a scurrying, mischievous piece, while "The Old Castle" is dark and foreboding. "Tuileries" is a light and airy waltz, while "Bydlo" is a heavy, plodding march. "Ballet of Unhatched Chicks" is a delicate and playful piece, while "Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle" is a witty and characterful duet. "The Marketplace at Limoges" is a bustling and colorful scene, while "Catacombs" is a dark and eerie piece. "The Hut on Fowl's Legs" is a whimsical and humorous piece, while "The Great Gate of Kiev" is a majestic and triumphant to the suite.

The Legacy

"Pictures at an Exhibition" has been performed countless times around the world, and it has been recorded by many of the world's greatest pianists. It has also been arranged for a variety of other instruments, including orchestra, band, and choir. The work has inspired many other composers, including Ravel, Debussy, and Stravinsky.

"Pictures at an Exhibition" is a masterpiece of classical music. It is a work of great beauty, imagination, and emotional depth. It is a work that has stood the test of time, and it continues to inspire and delight audiences today.

If you are a fan of classical music, or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving musical experience, then I highly recommend listening to Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition." It is a work that will stay with you long after you have heard it.

Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (Once Upon a Masterpiece Book 2)

by Anna Harwell Celenza

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13728 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE