Pictures at an Exhibition

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Capriccio Espagnol

SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 107

MUSSORGSKY (orch Ravel) Pictures at an Exhibition

Samara Ginsberg cello

Bristol Classical Players

Tom Gauterin conductor

From sketches of Spain to the galleries of Moscow, Bristol Classical Players are delighted to present three thrilling, colourful masterpieces from Russia.

Beginning with Capriccio Espagnol, Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling arrangement of Spanish dances (an immediate hit and an audience favourite ever since), the mood shifts for Shostakovich’s dark, sardonic Cello Concerto, written after the death of Stalin when the composer finally felt able to write freely again.

The final work is Ravel’s glittering orchestration of Mussorgky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Inspired by the paintings of his friend, Viktor Hartmann, this quirky work captures every mood and character – culminating in the grandeur of the Great Gate of Kiev.

With its crashing cymbals and pealing bells, this spectacular work never fails to impress. If you want to know what a symphony orchestra can do, then this concert is for you!