Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” traces a course yet, at the same time, a journey. The course leads us through a painting exhibition, whilst the journey steers us through the highs and lows of the human soul. The listener feels uplifted by the festive promenades. He follows wild chickens and chatty wives with amusement, but is then confronted by death in the catacombs. Mussorgsky’s music is orchestrated so colourfully by Maurice Ravel that the work deservedly takes its place as one of the eternal orchestral music hits. And whilst on the subject of “hits”, we must certainly not forget Rachmaninoff! Denis Matsuev, winner of the 11th International Tchaikovsky Competition, will perform the legendary Second Piano Concerto – it is Rachmaninoff’s most famous work.

Valery Gergiev Conductor
Denis Matsuev Piano
Mariinsky Theatre St. Petersburg Orchestra

Sergei Rachmaninoff
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18  (34’)
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Modest Mussorgsky
Pictures at an Exhibition (35’)
Promenade
1. Gnomus
2. Promenade – The Old Castle
3. Promenade - Tuileries
4. Bydlo
5. Promenade – Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
6. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
7. Promenade – The Market at Limoges – The Catacombs (Roman Sepulchre)
8. Baba Yaga - The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba Yagá) – The Great Gate of Kiev

Finishing time approx.: 10 pm