Promenade, from Pictures at an Exhibition
Modeste Mussorgsky
General Information
Instrumentation
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Program Notes
Pictures at an Exhibition was originally composed as a suite for piano in ten movements (plus a Promenade theme that recurs throughout) depicting a tour through a gallery of works by Russian artist Viktor Hartmann, a friend of the composer. Mussorgsky's suite has long been a showcase for virtuoso pianists, but is probably most famous in its orchestral setting: an adaptation by Maurice Ravel in 1922 that has been widely performed and recorded.
The opening of the suite, Promenade, was intended to depict a gallery visitor beginning their exploration of the artwork. Vladimir Stasov, a Russian critic of the time, wrote of the Promenade theme:
In this piece Mussorgsky depicts himself roving through the exhibition, now leisurely, now briskly in order to come close to a picture that had attracted his attention, and at times sadly, thinking of his departed friend.
The opening of the suite, Promenade, was intended to depict a gallery visitor beginning their exploration of the artwork. Vladimir Stasov, a Russian critic of the time, wrote of the Promenade theme:
In this piece Mussorgsky depicts himself roving through the exhibition, now leisurely, now briskly in order to come close to a picture that had attracted his attention, and at times sadly, thinking of his departed friend.
This transcription of the first Promenade was originally created for a Commencement Brass ensemble, and is perfect for such events. The optional saxophone parts are included to help with any missing horn or trombone parts.