Episode 2: Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky

[@kmk8284]

I've never seen this adorable version of Modest

[@ClassicsExplained]

Haha! Cute little man, isn't he!

[@Bartokassualtdude94]

@@ClassicsExplained SO KAWAIIIII DESUUUUUUUU!!!!

[@emilyglass5313]

Makes me want to pinch his wittle chubby cheeks. 🥰

[@TristanMA]

What this video covered was a piece made famous by Maurice Ravel in 1922 (who wrote Mother Goose, Bolero, Pavane for a Dead princess, Tombeu de Couperin, etc.). Night on Bald Mountain was brought to fame by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1886. Baba Yaga would be set to music by Anatoly Lyadov in 1904. The saxaophone in The Old Castle segment appeared in Bizet & Guiraud's L'Arlésienne Suites.

[@Antifearn]

I want to give poor little chubby Modest a big ol’ hug. Poor guy! 😭

[@kininiwong5350]

me too :(

[@joeyflute]

Some of the pictures introduced in this video have been hanging on the wall of my music faculty, and I never understood why there were there and what they meant (especially the egg one). Now everything makes so much sense! Brilliant!

[@ClassicsExplained]

We are glad we helped adding meaning to the images! :)

[@tituscaesar]

I am SO impressed with how this piece is presented. Brilliant. Your WONDERFUL videos should be showed in schools to get children into classical music, as part of their music education. Someone should speak to the Ministry of Education on your behalf! What an amazing contribution you have made to classical music. BRAVO!

[@tituscaesar]

Here's an idea, how about making a video about Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique. That should be fun.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much!!!! Some teachers actually already include our videos into their classes and this makes us very-very happy

[@jmltorres6659]

@@ClassicsExplained Yes! I'm a teacher and I'm definitely showing this video to my students! Thank you for creating this!

[@-Kuru-Reichtangle-Historian-]

This vid was actually shown in my school 2 years ago lol, still watching this vid to this day ❤

[@jakelolzhaha]

Finally, Ravel gets the recognition he deserves!

[@Rgoid]

Then you’ll love Episode 23 which deals with Ravel and his Bolero

[@gac-berry3596]

Perhaps my favorite part about this piece is Mussorgsky's undying love for Viktor and the purely Slaivic art that they both loved to create. I think we can all understand this feeling when it comes to other people or even our own cultures.

[@jarekwrzosek2048]

Hartmann must be like: "Damn Modeste, your little musical tribute to me is more famous than any of my paintings! Congrats bro!" And Mussorgsky is like: "Thanks Victor, I'll drink to that!"

[@kprc8395]

Criminally underrated channel

[@justthememelordsnextdoor9120]

0:58 Narrator: His mate Victor Hartman just died. He was only 39. Chopin: First Time?

[@kmk8284]

I know i shouldn't laugh but this is too much 🤣

[@guydude439]

Chopin: *bruh*

[@ramprasada7451]

Mozart and schubert:***Pathetic***

[@petech3975]

Ooh, that is cold!

[@justthememelordsnextdoor9120]

@@ramprasada7451 Yeah and Mendelssohn too

[@BlutoUSN]

If every Theory class was taught like this 🎶 might be a less narsaccitic place and more full of kindness and depth.

[@skiks3562]

Having recently listened to Pictures at an Exhibition with no context, reading the titles of each piece was... confusing to say the least. This is a great explanation.

[@ClassicsExplained]

We have lived up to our channel's purpose!

[@petermortimer3521]

I came here from ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer). They made Pictures at an Exhibition really rock!!

[@bobsbigboy_]

me too lol

[@ngchinkweedavid5709]

I am definitely showing this to my students! Thank you for making this, and keep up the good work! :D

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you! We'll do! :) Do you teach music? Where?

[@tortoisecanswim]

He made good on his promise. I'm one of his students :D

[@benjaminalderson7011]

My friend took her children to see the Dallas Symphony Orchestra do an arrangements of excerpts from this piece today, and I shared this video with her to show to them so that they may gain a better understanding of the creative process of a magnificent composer. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! This is exactly the purpose of our project!

[@manligi9701]

Will you do Night on Bald Mountain? That was actually the first piece from Modeste I played in high school and it still stays in my ears

[@TristanMA]

Ottorino Respighi made a tryptych of pieces deticated to Sandro Botticelli, and Max Reger made four tone poems set to paintings by Arnold Böcklin.

[@Acyliuss]

The "promenade" theme at 2:40 is what you hear in Civilization VI when you finish building the Hermitage Museum, perfect choice.

[@vincentv998]

THIS VIDEO (and I assume all others alike) IS JUST SHEER GENIUS!!!!!

[@bendigeidfranemmanueljones4546]

Most marvellous musical masterclass.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you! There will be more soon!

[@emilyglass5313]

This is such a fascinating piece. I remember hearing my bio Dad (may he rest in peace) practicing the Grand Promenade or Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle on his trumpet when I was little.

[@PippinRally]

Great Gate of Kiev always gets me a little emotional anyway but you got me - especially that part about processing to heaven! I credit this piece with getting me into classical music. Aged 7 I had a tape from a magazine to accompany the TV show Oscar's Orchestra on one side the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, on the other the piano version of Baba Yaga and the Great Gate of Kiev. I played it over and over and over and twenty five years later Pictures at an Exhibition is my favourite piece of classical music. Really goes to show the importance of accessible classical music education (like this!).

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much - this is a really appreciated, supportive comment. Keeping getting excited about great classical music :))

[@donnaquixote7538]

Remarkable, this definitely needs more views.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you for your support!

[@colenbacher]

What a beautiful video!

[@da96103]

21st century: No one is interested in classical music anymore. London 2017: Let's design the composer like a Japanese anime character!

[@user-zj4rn5pz2x]

I don't get it

[@Murrlin27]

One of my most favorite pieces!

[@ladytess28]

Fascinating facts and interpretation!!!! I have loved this piece since I was a child. My imagination always runs wild when hearing it to this day!!!! ❤

[@blackfalcon1324]

This is my favorite classical piece, this is an amazing documentary.

[@auliasoemantrihardjo]

Omggggggg this is so good, i don't know why i'm so teary at the end

[@jasonvenesky987]

Outstanding

[@ClassicsExplained]

Glad you enjoyed! One of our first videos!

[@LilyLawn]

I heard the promenade for the first time when I was 7, in a Warner Bros Cartoon. I wasn't able to identify the piece until now, almost 30 years later... thank you, I'm so grateful!!!

[@SliceOfGold]

Lucky to stumble upon this. Fantastic work, keep at it man.

[@ClassicsExplained]

We are the team of two - a man and a lady :) Many thanks for the warm feedback! The next video is coming soon!

[@inthekeyofc]

Wonderful! The story of one of my favourite pieces of music told in a wonderful way.

[@itamarbar9580]

I'm going to play the masterpiece this summer in a symphony orchestra, so I'm going back to this masterpiece of a video to resume my knowledge.

[@dahlrussell]

I have always said that this work is one of the best works for introducing students to orchestral music. The episodic nature means there is a lot that can be "acted out". This video is wonderfully entertaining and a great introduction to understanding the story of the music.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much for this warm feedback! We will be releasing more videos soon and hope you will enjoy them too

[@jellyprintpress]

I recently started teaching fifth grade music and I’ve been watching a lot of videos and I mean a ton. This is very well done and I love it and will use it.

[@Sava12242]

Oustanding! Such a great teaching supplement, informative, entertaining, accurate, and impeccably realized. Thanks so much...you should definitely do more! Anything from the Ring Cycle, Night on Bald Mountain, Dvorak's Symphonic Poems, etc. etc etc...

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much for this kind feedback. You are spot on with your suggestions! Don't want to be a spoiler, but we are currently working on two of your examples :)

[@simonacolaprisca1773]

Why did I ever start crying at the end!?

[@alexalani10110]

This was one of my favorite videos ever! And I’ve been on this site for a long time. Very very underrated content on this channel. Keep on the great work please! Brilliant visualizations as well.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Hi Alex! Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed it! We will certainly keep doing our shorts. Hopefully, number of views/subscribers is only a matter of time.

[@mypianoschat9475]

I'm overwhelmed at the end. Modeste had a great friendship. 😭

[@firmaith]

Mr. Levy succeeds. Great and greatly accessible explanation of a classic perennial. Maybe this video will be remembered in it's own right.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much! We hope so :)

[@Rex-wn3yf]

Wow! Simply Wow!

[@grisha4167]

Thank you so much

[@justintan3417]

Make more of these! I'm so glad I discovered this channel!

[@ClassicsExplained]

The third video is coming soon! And we will only stop when there are no more classical music pieces to explain :) We are super grateful for your support!

[@malinisnotamused5797]

We played his works in the school orchestra today and i like it

[@kimweonill]

Enlightening! Thanks!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks!

[@aisywijdan1131]

Modest as the pink ranger is everything!

[@liamleduc4098]

0:42 The five, a group of Russian composers consisting of Nikolai Rimsky-korsakov, Alexander Borodin, Modest Mussorgsky, Mily Balakirev, and Caesar Cui (left to right in that order). Their goal was to make specifically Russian classical music popular.

[@MakePeaceAndLove]

I need more of your videos! Your work is just too good. I am laughing as my brain rewires itself with the knowledge it is absorbing. well done, chaps

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so so so much - we love your support :)

[@izaccsgansit3507]

That piano suite! Now it makes so much sense why it shows up in Civilization (especially the Achievements Hall in CivRev.)

[@captainbeastazoid7084]

Fantastic video... Very entertaining analysis of a masterwork

[@-Kuru-Reichtangle-Historian-]

I really love this piece and video!! It is described in a lovely and Modest way of remembering Hartmann and his friend

[@hayleysteindorf670]

This was the first video I stumbled on because I was curious. Now, I am in love with this channel because of how educational it is. Also, the ending with Modeste Mussorgsky and Viktor Hartmann reuniting in heaven is so sweet.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you for your support always Hayley!

[@AntonHellsten]

This is amazing!! Great summary of the feelings and themes the score presents 🤩🥰

[@oldsteamguy]

wonderful. thank you

[@christophe8723]

Limoges is my youth hometown and I recognised the place depicted, I am so happy to see in it. Keep on the great work.

[@antoniobrajkovic1977]

brilliant and entertaining

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you!!!

[@ilangutierrez9700]

Thanks a lot, video is awesome. Now, I'll enjoy much more this symphony 😃

[@mrs.a.mayers-thomas5092]

I love this... I show it to my kids all the time I hope you continue making videos like this for us teachers to use.... thank you

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you so much for this comment! We will certainly keep making these videos. And it's truly wonderful that you found our shorts suitable for your classes!

[@mrs.a.mayers-thomas5092]

@@ClassicsExplained yes yes indeed... I am in teacher in Trinidad (the Caribbean country) I cant say thank you enough for this video... will you be taking comments on suggested videos to do or just wait and see because once again my kids loved this video likewise myself

[@mrs.a.mayers-thomas5092]

@@ClassicsExplained I teach music in a secondary high school and this musical piece the kids have to know inside out for the csec cxc examination

[@ClassicsExplained]

@@mrs.a.mayers-thomas5092 We will indeed! Please let us know which pieces you'd like us to explain next

[@mrs.a.mayers-thomas5092]

@@ClassicsExplained do you have an email that I can contact you on

[@mrbluemoose4296]

Fun fact for any double bassists, the Ravel version was commissioned by Koussevitzky!

[@joudys.b.4412]

Wow! Great explanation! Love the idea, keep it up guys.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much!

[@nlv7125]

Thank you very much! It's a very funny and interstening video about my favourite musical piece!

[@diarmaiddillon1568]

This channel is simply excellent

[@jcr3500]

Thanks for the great explanation!

[@TristanMA]

Ravel, who orchestrated Mussorgsky's Pictures, is better known for his Pavane for a Dead Infanta, Mother Goose, Le Tombeau de Couperin, and Bolero.

[@eefjegoossen4869]

Amazing! Can't wait to see more videos by you guys!

[@audiocristal]

Brilliant!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks!

[@avaonalee]

Absolutely perfect video and narration ✨

[@MarquiseJerusha]

Captivating work! Well done, more please :)

[@bobsbigboy_]

AMAZING VIDEO WOW! you rly did the piece justice

[@balatsu1]

Well made.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you!

[@issy554283]

Brilliant video & channel concept, please keep making videos!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you for your support!

[@MiniEquine]

I know you don’t upload often but these videos are really great and deserve more views.

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much - working on uploading more and more now we are seeing a real demand for it :)

[@tyrantfox7801]

I cried at the end

[@rafaelsalomaoromano2872]

I've just discovered the channel. What a fantastic job! Congrats and keep up the splendid work!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much!

[@konstantinkirilov1664]

This channel is absolutely awesome, I was wondering if it has in common with the ELP album and it turns out it does! Keep up the good work!

[@antigraphein943]

I feel so sad because this is amazing, but I can't show it to children I know because I live in Brazil and they can't understand.

[@fromkazan]

That is awesome. Love it. It is funny and edicatinal.

[@lemachinelearned2240]

I love these so much!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much :)

[@nikasmorozov]

Wow!

[@Samuel-ln6qu]

10/10 Good job

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you!

[@kamronbyrd7628]

Could you please do another one of these videos

[@theproplady]

Fun fact: If you grew up in the U.S. during the 1980's, you probably first heard this music on the soundtrack of the Smurf's cartoon show. I remember, after growing up, hearing the Gnome and thinking "Hey! That's Gargamel's theme!"

[@anujacob4672]

Terrific video ...u made it very interesting and informative yet brief..

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much - exactly our plan :)

[@innasokolova736]

Thanks

[@lucasildefonso6975]

Very interesting video, keep up with the good work fellas. Subscribed!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Many thanks for the nice words and for subscribing, Lucas! The third video is coming soon :)

[@ontdek.jouw.instrument3380]

Love this!🎶📯❤️

[@ShinerCCC]

i saw a girl perform the piano version for her graduating recital with no score in front of her. The whole thing. one of my wildest memories of music school

[@hayleysteindorf670]

The part where Mussorgsky was crying while a phonograph playing All by myself made me feel bad for him.

[@fatnoodle303]

Hot damn what a great video!

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you! We are glad you liked it!

[@sonjageuze6384]

nicely made!!! I wish I could show this to my dutch students...

[@storlok1922]

Great video!

[@tridux]

How in the world do you have 70 subscribers? That is ridiculous. Your sketches are really good, I mean even making the effort of drawing stuff is already really good. This video was kinda funny, in a nutshelly and informative(y).

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thank you for your support! Hopefully, the number of subscribers is only a matter of time. More videos- more subscribers. We are working on it!

[@tridux]

:3

[@veronicahaney6005]

Now its like 54K

[@deborahkogan8742]

Thank you! I did see an ancient gate in Kiev when I visited in '86, which I thought was that gate...

[@Gwydda]

Your videos are great! Mr M. was so cute

[@ArmouredLord]

So good, please let these videos get more views

[@TristanMA]

Catacombs also appear in Respighi's Pines of Rome.

[@duif4b]

Suggestion for the cherry on the cake and get everyone all teary: at 8:30 fade over to the real picture of M.M. ;D And thanks for the great video!

[@JaneXemylixa]

In music class at school our mandatory listening included the Old Castle piece. It struck me then and it still does. So nostalgic Oh and my fav version of Promenade is the one in The Incredible Machine PC game, which was the original piano piece followed by Ravel's version in midi instruments. It brought such a happy feeling to the levels that played it.

[@TristanMA]

Respighi made an ominous Dance of the Gnomes in 1919, rivaling the Gnome in Pictures.

[@kiwigiwih8977]

Keep up the Good work mate ;D

[@ClassicsExplained]

Thanks so much!