Lamb & Hayward Curator's Series: Pictures

Ottorino Respighi - Trittico Botticelliano
Modest Mussorgsky - Pictures at an Exhibition arranged Yu

Visiting Florence’s Uffizzi Gallery, Respighi found inspiration in three paintings by Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli: La Primavera (Spring), L’Adorazione dei Magi (The Adoration of the Magi), and La nascita di Venere (The Birth of Venus). Opening with an exuberant depiction of spring, Respighi incorporates elements of renaissance dance tunes and latin plainchant alongside his trademark sumptuous orchestration.

Inspired by images created by friend and artist, Victor Hartmann, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition takes us into the peculiar world of gnomes, down into the depths of the Parisian Catacombs, before reaching The Great Gate of Kiev complete with pealing bells. Australian-Chinese composer Julian Yu’s exquisite orchestration brings a new perspective to this remarkable and instantly recognisable classic.