This piece of music is like a trip through an art museum—made with sound! Composer Modest Mussorgsky wrote Pictures at an Exhibition after visiting an art show by his friend Viktor Hartmann. Hartmann was an artist who loved to draw buildings, costumes, and magical scenes. When he passed away, Mussorgsky wanted to remember him in a special way—by turning pictures into music.
Mussorgsky imagined himself walking from one picture to the next. As he looked at each artwork, he asked, What does this picture sound like? Then he wrote music to match what he felt and saw.
You’ll hear a special melody called the Promenade. This music means “walking.” It’s the sound of someone strolling through the gallery from picture to picture. Each time it comes back, it changes a little sometimes happy, sometimes thoughtful—just like your feelings change as you explore new things.
Mussorgsky first wrote this music for piano. Later, composer Maurice Ravel rewrote it for a full orchestra. He used different instruments like colors in a painting.
Thanks to Ravel, we can hear this musical picture book come to life with many instruments playing together.
As you listen, imagine:
Let your imagination lead the way!
Close your eyes and imagine walking through an art gallery. The orchestra paints each picture with sound! What do you see in your mind?
🚶Promenade: Walking Around
Step from picture to picture—listen to the music and feel the changing moods.
🧙♂️I. Gnomus – A Creepy Little Gnome
A scary gnome with crooked arms and legs. The music jumps and surprises!
🛑Promenade II – Catch Your Breath
Take a deep breath before moving on.
🏰II. The Old Castle — A Lonely Song
A singer stands by an old castle at sunset. Slow and sad, like a song from long ago.
🤔Promenade III – Quiet Thoughts
Walk on feeling calm and thoughtful.
🏞️III. Tuileries – Kids Playing
Children run, laugh, and squabble. Fast, playful, and full of chatter!
🐂IV. Bydło – Heavy Ox Cart
A huge ox cart rolls forward. Loud and strong, showing its weight.
⏸️Promenade IV – Pause & Reflect
Stop and think before moving forward.
🐣V. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Tiny chicks try to dance in their eggs. Light, silly, and quick!
💰VI. Samuel Goldenberg & Schmuÿle – Rich vs. Poor
One proud and loud, the other quiet and nervous. The music lets them “talk”!
💪Promenade V – Walking with Confidence
Step forward with energy and excitement.
🛒VII. Limoges – Busy Marketplace
Shoppers talk and gossip all at once. Fast and lively!
👻IX. Talking with the Past
Quiet, ghostly music—remembering people long ago.
🏠X. Baba Yaga – Witch’s Flying House
A house on chicken legs races wildly. Danger and excitement
in the music!
🏰🎉XI. The Great Gate of Kiev – Grand Finale
A huge, shining gate. Bold, joyful, and triumphant—what a fi nish!
Schwarm, Betsy. “Pictures at an Exhibition”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pictures-at-an-Exhibition. Accessed 7 January 2026.
Lorenzon, Matthew. “Deep Listen: Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition.” ABC Classic, 17 July 2018, https://www.abc.net.au/listen/classic/features/deep-listen:-mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition/10002460. Accessed 7 January 2026.
“Hartmann Chicks sketch for Trilby ballet.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
“The Rich Jew.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
“The Poor Jew.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
“Hartmann Paris Catacombs.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
“Izbushka2.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
“Hartmann — Plan for a City Gate.jpg.” Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
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