When his friend Victor suddenly dies, composer Mussorgsky is deeply saddened. But, with the help of his friends, and through his own music, Modest finds a way to keep Victor's spirit alive.
Readers of all ages will enjoy the inspirational story behind the composition of Pictures at an Exhibition. Bright, colorful illustrations incorporate elements of Russian folk art and traditional symbols. View pages from artist JoAnn Kitchel's notebook for explanations of the symbols and see her pencil-sketch research of the Russian culture.
St. Petersburg was a vibrant, bustling city in the 1870s. Business was booming. People took pride in their Russian heritage. It was an exciting time, full of hope and prosperity. Everyone looked to the future with great expectations . . . especially the city’s young artists and musicians. After centuries of exclusion, Russia had finally been embraced by the rest of Europe. Russian culture was all the rage. “It’s finally finished!” cried Victor as he burst through the front door. Modest and Vladimir looked up from the piano. They were playing through a scene from Modest’s new opera. “What are you talking about?” asked Vladimir. “My designs for the building competition,” said Victor. “You know, for the City Gate in Kiev.” He pushed the breakfast dishes to one side and carefully spread his drawing out on the table. “Come have a look!” he said. “You’ll love it!”
Anna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include THE FAREWELL SYMPHONY, PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION, GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
When his friend Victor suddenly dies, composer Mussorgsky is deeply saddened. But, with the help of his friends, and through his own music, Modest finds a way to keep Victor's spirit alive.
Readers of all ages will enjoy the inspirational story behind the composition of Pictures at an Exhibition. Bright, colorful illustrations incorporate elements of Russian folk art and traditional symbols. View pages from artist JoAnn Kitchel's notebook for explanations of the symbols and see her pencil-sketch research of the Russian culture.
Excerpt
St. Petersburg was a vibrant, bustling city in the 1870s. Business was booming. People took pride in their Russian heritage. It was an exciting time, full of hope and prosperity. Everyone looked to the future with great expectations . . . especially the city’s young artists and musicians. After centuries of exclusion, Russia had finally been embraced by the rest of Europe. Russian culture was all the rage. “It’s finally finished!” cried Victor as he burst through the front door. Modest and Vladimir looked up from the piano. They were playing through a scene from Modest’s new opera. “What are you talking about?” asked Vladimir. “My designs for the building competition,” said Victor. “You know, for the City Gate in Kiev.” He pushed the breakfast dishes to one side and carefully spread his drawing out on the table. “Come have a look!” he said. “You’ll love it!”
Anna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include THE FAREWELL SYMPHONY, PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION, GERSHWIN'S RHAPSODY IN BLUE, and VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
