Product Description
This arrangement of the opening of Mussorgsky's best-known work is ideally suited as an opening or closing statement piece for a group of 4 early-intermediate trombones (1 bass trombone or tuba) or other bass clef instruments. It stays true to the original piece with adaptations in range for developing players and an adapted ending better suited for standalone performance. The estimated duration of the performance is 1m 30s.
Pictures at an Exhibition is a suite of pieces for piano based on pictures by Mussorgsky's friend Viktor Hartmann, who died suddenly in 1873, aged 39. A memorial exhibition of Hartmann's works was staged in St. Petersburg the following year, and Mussorgsky's suite depicts walk around it, viewing 10 pictures in total. In addition to the pieces inspired by individual pictures, the suite contains several variations of the 'Promenade' theme, which depicts Mussorgsky "roving through the exhibition, now leisurely, now briskly in order to come close to a picture that had attracted his attention, and at times sadly, thinking of his departed friend." (Vladimir Stasov).
This arrangement presents the opening version of the 'Promenade', adapted to suit a group of 4 trombones (1 bass trombone or tuba) or similar group of bass clef instruments. The ranges have been reduced to accommodate young or developing players. The 1st part goes no higher than F4, and the bass part no lower than Bb1 (optionally A1). The melody is mainly in the 1st part, with passages in the 2nd and 3rd parts from time to time, but as the texture of Mussorgksy's composition is almost exclusively homophonic, all parts have equal importance. I have inserted additional dynamics and accents to aid phrasing, and adapted the ending to suit a standalone performance.
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