Grieg: Norwegian Folk songs and Lyric Pieces

Mussorgsky : Pictures at an Exhibition (1874)

Pictures at an Exhibition stands as one of the most groundbreaking piano compositions of its time—a visionary work that redefined musical storytelling. With bold harmonies, rhythmic ingenuity, and raw emotional intensity, Mussorgsky departed from the polished elegance of traditional Romantic piano music, forging a new path with his daring and unorthodox approach.
Yet despite its innovation, Mussorgsky struggled with self-doubt. Known for his unconventional compositional style, he feared that Pictures at an Exhibition was too rough, too unrefined, and hesitated to publish it for five years. He passed away in 1881, never knowing that his work would become a cornerstone of Russian piano literature, celebrated for its brilliance and originality.
Each movement is inspired by an image from an actual exhibition Mussorgsky attended—featuring the artwork of his late friend, Viktor Hartmann—immortalizing both the artist’s vision and the composer’s deeply personal reflections

NCMA Lunchtime Concerts are sponsored by Nelson Pine Industries