Mussorgsky was 35 when he wrote the piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition—a vivid memorial to his friend, artist and architect Viktor Hartmann, who had died suddenly at 39. Each movement brings to life one of Hartmann’s pictures, while the recurring Promenade theme depicts the composer strolling through the gallery. As the cycle progresses, the theme merges with the mood of the individual scenes, guiding the listener’s emotional response. Mussorgsky composed in a rush of inspiration, completing the score in under three weeks. Ideas came so quickly, he said, “I could hardly manage to scribble it all down.”

The cycle culminates with The Great Gate at Kiev—or more precisely, The Bogatyr Gates (In the Capital at Kiev)—based on Hartmann’s winning design for ceremonial city gates that were never built. The Promenade theme returns, now transformed into a grand processional. A hushed central section based on the Orthodox chant ‘As you are baptized in Christ’ brings contrast and reverence. Together, they evoke Hartmann’s majestic, cupola-crowned vision in music of bold sweep and solemn beauty.

— All above program notes copyright © 2025 Keith Horner.
Comments welcomed: khnotes@sympatico.ca