Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition (Kurt Masur & Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra)

From the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Kurt Masur - conductor
Modest Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition
Orchestration: Sergei Petrovitch Gorchakov
Chapters:
0:00 Pictures at an Exhibition
1:33 Promenade
2:53 The Gnome
5:23 Promenade
6:14 The Old Castle
10:33 Promenade
11:00 Tuileries
12:00 Bydlo
14:59 Promenade
15:43 Ballet of the Unhatched Chickens
17:06 Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle
19:30 Promenade
20:44 Limoges: The Market Square
22:16 Catacombae (Sepulchrum romanum)
26:08 The Hut on Hen's Legs (Baba-Yaga)
30:00 The Great Gate of Kiev
Watch also the piano version performed by Evgeny Kissin: • Evgeny Kissin: Mussorg...
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[@threehermits]

I have not heard this orchestration before, but I like it a lot. The tempo of the promenade, though--we must be running through that art gallery!

[@jimmillen2241]

I miss the power of the percussion section in this performance - otherwise it's great.

[@rmccombs66]

I thought the tempo of the Promonde was a little fast too.

[@DariusSarrafi]

I think the maestro was taking our modern impatience into account since the theme repeats so many times albeit in different variations. When I play this on the piano I play the promenade movements just fast enough to be fluent with the melody not losing its horizontal character.

[@ImVee10]

Search “Mr. Humphries’ walk” for an accurate interpretation of the Promenade.

[@acyutanandadas1326]

@@DariusSarrafi Yep

[@larry-nancycowan6045]

When I was ten (1950), I subscribed to the RCA Red Label Record Club and the second record I acquired was Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition and, I believe, Offenbach's Des Bouffes-Parisiens was on the other side. I lied in bed listening to classics on my little radio coming on short-wave Radio Nederland and mother would holler up the stairs, "You shut that off now and go to sleep!'. I'm 84 now and it's still part of me.

[@jagoep]

The Great Gate at Kiev gives me goosebumps every time.

[@michaelmichelz3349]

Me also.....

[@ecphorizer]

Especially in the context of Tsar Vladimir's invasion, going on 6 months now. 🇺🇦

[@joanhoggan5093]

Especially now when Kyiv as it is now, as the Capital of Ukraine, is fighting for its very existence & that of its integrity as a European nation.

[@olorin4317]

Every. Damn. Time.

[@resathe6760]

I loved this piece since I was a child.

[@vincentarcaro1353]

Fantastic Russian brilliance in classical music just one of so many Bravo ❤❤

[@123Pucki-Soey-Birds]

Absolutely 👍

[@christianeborchard3504]

Mir fällt dazu nur ein Wort ein : Überwältigend!!!!! Was für ein Genuss!!!! Ruhe in Frieden, hochverehrter Kurt Masur. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@shin-i-chikozima]

In this orchestra‘s performance, all is full of far superior splendor amazing. I just am intoxicated by this magnificent performance.

[@p.b4287]

I was spending Christmas by myself, travelling on Easter Island as a backpacker when I saw a cave carved into black stone by the seashore. Mussorgsky was my instinctual choice. I've stayed laying down on a rock looking at the walls of the cave: there were very simple paintings representing men in red. The Pacific Ocean was hitting the stones nearby and the place was magnificent. Without looking at the watch, just feeling and enjoying life. The place was strange: beautiful and morbid. I could feel it. Later on, I've learned the stone where I was laying for probably a couple of hours while listening to this music, was a sacrifice stone where a ritual was made once a year killing very young men. In particular the music I can hear now at 12:00 minutes was especially suited for the black cave, with the bright green of the ocean and a dark grey sky. I will never forget that perfect moment of peace and fulfilment. Life can be wonderful if we never give up searching for these experiences.

[@pimrapashjirarataungkul2046]

Wow

[@olmedovillavicencio5617]

.I love this music because it is mysterious, hunting, evocative and beautiful. It makes dream what stories were hidden in the old castle.

[@TurbulenTornado]

This reads like poetry. Im happy to have read this and to know of your deep experience :)

[@lisakilgore577]

Thank you for sharing such a moment

[@mariorossi9655]

Great story, almost magical realism

[@virvln2814]

Maestro Kurt Masur, one of the greatest conductors, conducting the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, possibly the oldest orchestra in the world and without doubt one of the finest. It doesn´t get any better than this. A monumental performance from all points of view!

[@ralphhinton6600]

Now, one must say Kurt Masur is definetly a active director and leader. How gorgeous he directs this “exhibition” with Leipzig orchestra. Thanks Kurt Masur. Ralph

[@JUNKJACKZACK]

Gorgeous? I have never been involved in Orchestra before and so this director looks either super passionate at time or like he is still a little cracked out. I can't help but feel that way. It probably doesn't help I am from New Mexico.

[@alanpower8234]

I first heard this music after a visit to an art exhibition with my school about 1982 AGED 10. When we got back to class they had a slide show of the artwork with this music playing. This was my introduction to culture so to speak. Last night went to see performance of this at the royal festival hall london. COMPLETLEY AMAZING. First classical concert will not be last.

[@3D-PHASE]

I am the editor of this concert video. I remember this edit for euroarts in Darmstadt with best emotions. I fell in love to this concert immediately.

[@RobJaskula]

Roughly when did the performance occur? It looks older, but the audience members are dressed as though it's at least after German reunification.

[@3D-PHASE]

@@RobJaskula video editing was in october 1993 (in Darmstadt / Germany). So concert should have been in summer/autumn 1993.

[@RobJaskula]

@@3D-PHASE ah hah! Thank you for the reply.

[@3D-PHASE]

Here´s a little secret, but pshhhh. I remember a very difficult part where we had cut in a piece from another day. Look at 29:50. The woman, who is sitting left to Masur all the time suddenly disappears and a man takes her seat. But just for this one shot. Pshhhhh... 🙂

[@mariacuretmarti720]

crying I met Daniel Wayen when I was a chil in France and he played for us anytime I fell in love with this piece so early in my teens on a Easter Satrurday looking a the distresses of warbin Kiev now thia is a painful admitable moment of reflection for me amazing music after all those years was inside of me Thank you its a bittersweet Easter be all abundantjy blessed

[@ivanoech]

Great conductor Kuurt Masur, grat orchestra. His very peculiar way to conduct "Pictures at an Exhibition" that was composed based on different pictures. I love this version. Thanks

[@alanatolstad4824]

What a venue. I'd love to be in the audience...wow!

[@pamstubbs4699]

When I was in 4th grade in 1965 my teacher introduced us to Pictures At An Exhibition..🦋🦋⭐💞💞🌹♥️💕

[@123ruinsane]

I have always loved Pictures. To see the dynamics of brass, string and woodwinds (and mulitples of each) blend them together and you truly have musical Pictures at an Exhibition.

[@mundoel9143]

i was about to play this for back music while i'm read newspaper but i can't take my eyes and ears off whole rendition. great, i like this version

[@VegasGirl_in_a_UtahWorld]

Still to this day, a revelation of musical genius

[@dinatrapella5545]

I liked very much this interpretation. My compliments to the conductor and the players. The first and the last pictures are unforgettable masterpieces. Great Mussorgsky and thank you for such a divine music that touch very much the soul

[@mo.p.2694]

Das ist die mit Abstand beste Aufnahme dieses Musikstückes. Ich bin stolz, dass sie ausgerechnet vom Orchester meiner Heimatstadt aufgenommen wurde

[@kevintewey1157]

Russian writer? ❤🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺✌️🤩🤠

[@whyparkjiminnotridejimin]

​@@kevintewey1157 ?? That person is obviously German.

[@sirapos6550]

Ja und er kommt aus Leipzig.

[@jackbarnard1781]

I've never seen nor heard this version. But I too like it alot. The people who attended this performance are very lucky indeed. Everyone looks so nice in their performance clothes

[@showbiz3848]

Such a brilliant interpretation... As for me...this is the most...visual, composition ever writen. Pictures at an exhibition, has always made me feel like a long drawn closed curtain is suddenly opened. Makes me smile. Regards, clb PS, best of all, As a kid... I first became acquainted with this piece of music thanks to Emerson, Lake and Palmers interpretation.

[@fridgeturtle]

The soprano sax during 17:06 Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle is incredible. Wonderfully played, and beautiful to hear a saxophone in an orchestra!

[@thegrandestbazaar4800]

It reminds me a bit of the Soviet Union, the harsh, brutalist tones almost strike fear into me

[@kohntarkosz8983]

Two jews

@@kohntarkosz8983 and? What would you like to say with it?

[@htfdaan840]

This has to be the best rendition of this masterpiece i have ever heard. The first Promenade is very much on the speedy side, but the strings give it a level of elegance i have not heard in this piece before. And god, the trumpets calling out in their crystal clear fashion at 32:05 is chilling. Not to mention the brilliant way 33:04 and the building up towards it is played almost staccato. Absolutely brilliant.

[@barnes577]

Could not agree more, the orchestration, orchestral and conducting performances were simply superb, possibly unmatched.

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Kurt Masur was a master. We lost him far too soon.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

When I think of Mussorgsky'states the life , which was never rewarded and he died in poverty , I can't stop shedding tears , This Mussorgsky's masterpiece , exquisitely arranged by the genius Ravel , is comfortable to the mind and the ear This masterpiece will transcend time , race , nation and space , and will continue living forever From Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵

[@ventuks]

Alcohol can stop anyone, even Mussorgsky. Unfortunately ...

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@ventuks Thank you Good luck!

[@pensandshakers]

Agreed. May his name and work last until the end of time. From Texas - Land of the Lone Star

[@shin-i-chikozima]

@@pensandshakers Thankyou I hope you are well The number of the infected people is increasing in Japan , especially Tokyo Be on the alert for Covid19 From A corner of Tokyo where is very hot and humid

[@pensandshakers]

@@shin-i-chikozima Darling, if you turn off CNN, it's an idyllic day in America. I hope you do all right over there.

[@rorycraig]

26:21 God, I wish Ravel added those accents in his orchestration. It would've been absolute FIRE.

[@sallysimmons9099]

Splendid. Do not have enough words to show how much I loved this orchestration. First time I've listened in over 50 years, and I still remembered every musical picture. Vielen Dank Kurt Masur und das Orchestra Leipzig!

[@Piflaser]

This instrumentation is solid and shows that Ravel was a genius.

[@joselozanochica5624]

@@Piflaser Ravel?

[@Piflaser]

@joselozanochica5624 Yes, his orchestration is much better.

[@richardgutierrez6229]

Played this in college. I had the trumpet solo portion. At least in that arrangement. The old castle is the best part imo. So much emotion. Learned the whole thing in two days concert on Sunday. Best 3 days of my musical career days. That was long ago.

[@kennethbiebighauser7984]

The Violins are amazing almost sexual the way Promenade begins Such a difficult instrument to master the energy animation !! That what impresses me this timeless ... PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION !! Bravo !!!!

[@IgorDmitrievpiano]

Замечательная оркестровка Сергея Петровича Горчакова. В ней настоящий дух этого гениального произведения Модеста Мусоргского!

[@jauscielingjauquae6864]

I must be confused....... BRAVO to all the master of THIER instuments

[@xxandrewwilsonxxable]

Love the venue theatre in the round. This is beatiful indeed.

[@emitch9213]

Beautiful full sounds that are insides of the composers' being...what a pleasure...TY

[@bumble1612]

Gnomus, it gets me every time.

[@Hailstormand]

How many orchestrations can Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition stand? Apparently a lot. It's like listening to a multiverse.

[@adam28xx]

If you call up the Wiki entry on Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition you'll find a section listing about 30 orchestrations of this piano work. In addition to Ravel and Stokowski, the two most recorded versions, there are others by Sir Henry Wood, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Vaclav Smetacek, Lawrence Leonard, Lucien Cailliet and Leo Funtek, as well as the Gorchakov version heard here. All these and several others have had at least one recording each. In addition, Leonard Slatkin has devised more than one 'compendium' version in which each Promenade and Picture is orchestrated by a different arranger. These Slatkin versions have also been recorded. Indeed, I wonder if Mussorgsky's piano work has had more orchestrations than any other keyboard piece?

[@jimmillen2241]

The differentia lay in which conductor is leading the orchestra -----"his interpretation" if you will. Also, the sound produced by any given orchestra.

[@Mattteus]

Until someone else with an octave and a half handspan comes along, we have to make do with Maurice Ravel’s orchestral interpretation

[@tomschlueter7034]

How can you improve on Ravel? I say, leave it alone. If most people are sitting there "listening" while comparing it to Ravel all the while, what's the point?? It's like rearranging Beethoven's 5th. As for the first promenade, must have been a really bad exhibit if the guy was rushing through it that quickly!

[@thegrandestbazaar4800]

@@tomschlueter7034 *leaves exhibition immediately*

[@jeanpierregravel]

Mussorgsky est mon compositeur préféré, en fait, j adore les compositeurs Russe, profondeur, mystère et magistral. Pour moi c'est tellement beau et parfait.

[@anacabestany8372]

Excelente versión !!! Increibles pianissimos. !!! Excelente interpretación de cada número !

[@jesusladislaoanazcorenteri2078]

Completamente de acuerdo, además es una versión exquisita de esta gran composición.

[@elesceptico2920]

@@jesusladislaoanazcorenteri2078 - Así es, por lo tanto y con perdón, no dejemos de mencionar a Ravel.

[@maciejwiertelak1242]

Ależ piękne, pełne znakomicie poprowadzonych kontrastów wykonanie. POLECAM! What a beautiful performance, full of brilliantly drawn contrasts. I RECOMMEND!

[@stevenjones6364]

Brilliant thanks for sharing this magnificent piece of work with us 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jimmillen2241]

Magnificent performance. Thanks for up-loading.

[@adam28xx]

According to the Wiki entry on "Pictures at an Exhibition" this arrangement by Gortchakov is one of about 30 orchestrations of this work. The most well-known is of course Ravel's, but it was also transcribed by Leopold Stokowski, Sir Henry Wood, Mikhail Tushmalov, Leo Funtek, Walter Goehr, Lawrence Leonard, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Vaclav Smetacek, and numerous others. In fact, it has become the most orchestrated piano piece of all time and I expect there'll be more to come!

[@carlosfranciscoperez-velay4362]

Very well conducted . I also like Masur's unassuming attitude . Thank you for sharing .

[@FannyPlusvi]

Gracias a mi hermano, que tenia mucho oido y era fan de Emerson Lake & Palmer, yo, de adolescente, empecé a apreciar la música de Mussorsky. Gracias broder :-)

[@omnamahshivayaitaly8429]

This masterpiece was often played during our music lessons by two excellent teachers I will never forget: Mr Gresser and Mr Bergmann from Grabbe-Gymnasium in Detmold Germany. Thanks to their teachings I had access to classical music and learned to appreciate it.

[@MrTheyazico]

Omg Brings back such great souvenirs and memories Filled with love

[@jurgennaeve3897]

in 1971 I heard this work by Emerson, Lake & Palmer for the first time. Then I thought I have to listen to the classic version and since then it is my favorite classic work and Mr. Masur knows how to do it with the fantastic Gewandhausorchester! It makes me smile and cry!

[@4StonesHandcraft]

I also heard it first by ELP. As an 18 year old long haired hard rock fan, it was my introduction to classical. I boarded with composer Richard Yardumian (Armenian Suite) and his family a few years later, and that sealed the deal.

[@Javier78521]

love this version --- very well done

[@ricardonascimento6020]

A versão de Gortchakov com kurt Masur trata-se de uma preciosidade. Mais próxima do original, ao piano, é exuberantemente interpretada, rica em detalhes e expressividade. Bravo!!! Imperdível!!!!!!

[@TigrisVoice]

One of the best orchestration that I have heard. it is a wonderful mix of fluidity with contrast. Thank you for this upload

[@sylviahosking6340]

Wow, have played this so many times, but never this version...very interesting

[@jorgegodoy2047]

Kurt Masur, un genio para interpretar a Moussorgsky. Wow!... Extraordinario !!

[@hirocalkawa7656]

I did not know this orchestration. What a great performance by Kurt Maur and Gewandhaus Orchestra!

[@thomramvoegeli5291]

Oh, eine ganz selten gelungene Wiedergabe! Wundervoll! Danke!

[@zrshwe]

After listening to this, I realise why Ravel has been regarded as a master of orchestration.

[@sdmilton30]

It's not Ravel's - Orchestration: Sergei Petrovitch Gortchakov - and it's equally as good, just different

[@evanpyne4426]

This isn't Ravels, but Ravel's is much better

[@severussnape6886]

You didn't know he was being sarcastic about this orchestration. I agree, Ravel's one is much better

[@Infidelio]

I agree, but I do like this one very much. It's closer to the original, and it sounds more Russian. I saw Masur and the LGO at Carnegie Hall many years ago do this, and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't Ravel. Something different!

[@frankjuggaloheathen1035]

I agree to a certain extent. There are a lot of parts that Ravel definitely orchestrated better, like having the brass lead the theme in "Gate of Kiev." Much richer arrangement. But I can't complain here. Honestly I'm digging this version of "Bydlo" better than Ravel's. It just has a darker quality to it that kinda intrigues me, you know. But to each their own.

[@ricardonascimento6020]

THE BEST!!!! Trata-se da melhor orquestração, embora deva muito a Ravel. Belíssima interpretação! Imperdível!!! Bravo!!!!!

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Happy Sunday evening of love for music happenings friends, what a great composition this one, suuuuper spectacular indeed, l love it 🎉❤🎉

[@stephenpowstinger733]

I’ve heard this so many times it takes a new version like this to hear it anew. Bravo.

[@nuprynce8250]

Ik it’s so good

[@jaworskij]

That first tune, 'Promenade', RCA used for its opening on most of its CED VideoDiscs from the 1980s.

[@duelmonitor]

Correct. With a slight tweaked ending.

[@homeofcreation]

Beautiful rendition with beautifully timed dynamics and great recording

[@martaaliciabilbao3195]

Hermoso!! Director, orquesta, los pianissimos de la percusión, 🎶qué difícil !! 🌷

[@marelivale7420]

Wonderful! Celestial! Thank you!

[@theAxehound]

You get a like for uploading a great version of my all-time favorite and you get a "Sub" for putting the commercials at the bookends and not interrupting the way the great artist intended it!

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

FABULOUS.....helps to somewhat keep what sanity I have left in this HORRIBLE DAY & AGE we've all been suffering through since 2016!!!

[@marvieachanzar2513]

Kurt Masur died not too long ago; Dec 19, 2020. His conducting was always special. He applies the wisdoms of the great conductors from Arturo Toscanini, Fritz Reiner, George Szell. Georg Solti, Herbert Von Karajan, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Charles Munch and Gustavo Dudamel among other greats not to forget Eugene Ormandy; all of them combined and comes out to Maestro Kurt Masur......May you rest in Peace in Heaven.

[@herzoginaugusta]

Kurt Masur died in 2015!!!!!

[@matildetessari9425]

A Masterpiece for me !!! Bravo !!!

[@stuartcutright4442]

This is an amazing interpretation of a masterpiece. Baba-Yaga, wow!

[@lunardoesmusic]

For those who are wondering, Tuileries is at 11:00 or so.

[@program.6533]

This is so beautiful!

[@richardterbocs9448]

Eleven szines harmonikus.Pontos,kimért és kiméletlen fenomén karnagy. Esztéta Megérintett. Ezért szeretem a műveket. Akik lelket, testet visznek. Tű pontos

[@Markus_Blewish]

I first heard Pictures At An Exhibition by way of Ravel's orchestration. Years later I came across the original piano solo as Mussorgsky composed it. My reaction to it was like seeing a sponge bob drawing of David compared to Michelangelo's statue.

[@augiebendoggie]

I remember learning this music when I was in school. One of my favorite pieces to learn.

[@jotape1960]

Wonderful rendition!!!

[@AlaskaRS]

Hearing the Great Gate of Kiev at present is a little more emotional.

[@aspiringking5000]

This is my favorite recording of this piece!!!

[@edwardrader3629]

I just listened to the ELP version of this. Interesting to compare/contrast. The ELP version is really not inferior, just vastly different.

[@hubertmuhlbock9641]

Bravo! - Bravissimo! - acoustically as well as visually -

[@Euroarts]

Thank you for your comment! We are glad to know you enjoy it :)

[@mariapage9135]

Wow...great music I heard for the first time👏👏👏👏

[@Barefootpoet1070]

I love this. ❤️

[@marckemp9955]

The hut on hen's legs forward is my favorite. The great gate included!

[@RayMotaung1961]

Thank you. I've just listened to EPl's reworking, from Pictures At An Exhibition.

[@Sunnymoon4812]

I needed to learn the names of these songs for my school exam and this video helped me a ton! Thank you so much!

[@veronicavasquezbascunan1083]

..impecable, sublime, emocionante ...solo agradecer 🙏

[@christopherwatts8583]

wonderful music wonderful orchestra

[@sunpei-li7913]

A great orchestral arrangement.

[@limpiezafosassepticaspuert3848]

Me gusto mucho ,sobre todo su dirección. Hace años que no la escuchaba y ahora poder verla , con 2 cortes pero vale la pena.

[@moyskywalker]

I love it, my favorite ❤️

[@jamesmillen9120]

I love to watch the concertmaster perform -- he weaves back and forth until his nose is 2" from the score. Never have seen that before -- watch him.

[@CK-ub7jf]

Magnificent version. Love it.

[@emiliasouza3840]

I miss you, Masur. Your regente are magistral , extraordinária.

[@christianeborchard3504]

Yes. I am also. He was genius.

[@Xerxes2005]

I really liked this interpretation of Baba Yaga. The "knocking" (26:37) reminds us that the picture which inspired this piece actually represented a clock in the form of a house on a hen's legs.

[@glennchamberlain3115]

The ending has always made me tear up if done right. This did it

[@josealejandroguzmanreynoso5829]

Excelente ¡! MUSICA CLÁSICA , nunca dejará de gustar FELICITACIONES ¡!

[@JesusGarcia-li7nv]

Bien un espsñol

[@mikemickypeterdavy]

Amazing

[@ayxanismayilov4664]

Wery good it's cool.excelent.perfect music

[@Fernando671000]

BRAVO !! BRAVO!! BRAVÍSSIMO !!!

[@user-rg9pb3sh4y]

Good!~Many Thanks!!!

[@irinastepanova4476]

Спасибо за волшебное исполнение. 👏 браво

[@michaeljeran4941]

Sehr schön! Danke!

[@Mr-Prasguerman]

Music 10% promenade 90%

[@theoingebrixen6013]

Meine Hochachtung Herr Masur