I hope this finds you well. There are so much sadness, anger, frustrations, and uncertainties surrounding us, and I hope music can bring some comfort in your lives.
Today, let's talk about the fifth movement of the Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks. This is one of my favorite movements, as it always brings a smile to my face when I hear it.
Luckily, Hartmann's artwork for this movement has survived, so you don't have to endure my rendition.
This movement is fast-paced and ornamented with quick grace notes and trills, and it vividly describes a bunch of half-hatched chicks running around frantically.
As heard in Tuileries, Ravel only uses the woodwinds, horns handful of percussion instruments, celeste, harp, and strings without bass to provide lighter texture to this movement.
Let's take a listen:
Unhatched Chicks
I hope this movement has brought a smile to your face as well.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. I'll check in with you in a few days.
Best,
Kayoko
