In this episode of Beyond the Music Score, we journey through the vivid and imaginative world of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Originally composed as a piano suite in 1874 and later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, this masterpiece captures the essence of an art gallery brought to life through music. Inspired by the works of his late friend, artist Viktor Hartmann, Mussorgsky paints a sonic exhibition, leading listeners through a series of musical “portraits” filled with emotion, grandeur, and folklore.

Join us as we explore the stories behind each movement, the powerful "Promenade" that ties them together, and the lasting impact of this extraordinary composition. How does Mussorgsky translate visual art into sound? What makes Ravel’s orchestration so iconic? Let’s unravel the genius behind Pictures at an Exhibition and its place in the classical repertoire.