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Home > Mussorgsky, Modest Petrovich > Tableaux d'une exposition > No.10 "La grande porte de Kiev"

Mussorgsky, Modest Petrovich : Tableaux d'une exposition  No.10 "La grande porte de Kiev"

Work Overview

Music ID : 23141
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:suite
Total Playing Time:6 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (2)

Author : Itoh, Midori

Last Updated: January 6, 2019
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This piece, which follows without pause from the ninth movement, is reportedly inspired by the architectural designs for the Great Gate intended for construction in Kiev. It begins with the stately main theme of this suite, reminiscent of the “Promenade,” and builds to a grand climax. Then, suddenly, from measure 31, a quiet, chorale-like music emerges. This may be a song of praise for his close friend Hartmann and his talent. The opening theme and this chorale-like theme intertwine, repeating in magnificent variations, and finally, the opening theme returns once more in a coda section that seems to unleash unprecedented energy, bringing the suite to a grand close.

Writer: Itoh, Midori

Author : Saitoh, Noriko

Last Updated: January 6, 2019
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This movement follows attacca from 'The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba Yaga)'. It is believed that the inspiration for this piece came from Hartmann's sketch, which depicts a gate for the city of Kyiv, in an Old Russian stone architectural style, with a Slavic helmet-shaped dome. However, this design was ultimately never realized. Incidentally, Hartmann, who not only produced sketches and watercolors but also designed stage sets and costumes, was by profession an architect. The tempo marking is Allegro alla breve, maestoso con grandezza. It is the largest in scale within the suite, and its musical content can be described as grand. Overall, the sound is created by weighty chords, and octaves are frequently employed. From the latter half, it becomes Meno mosso, sempre maestoso, and in the concluding section, it becomes Grave, sempre allargando, bringing the entire suite to a close with a magnificent sound.

Writer: Saitoh, Noriko

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Scores List (17)