Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you well and healthy.
Today, let's talk about the eighth movement of the Pictures at an Exhibition: Catacombs with the Dead in a Dead Language.
Although the previous movement (Limoges) went directly into this movement, these two movements can't be any more contrasting. Catacomb is much heavier, slower, and darker. Luckily, Harmann's artwork has survived (above^). It depicts himself and a friend being guided through a catacomb in a French cathedral.
The only catacomb I have visited is in St. Florian, just outside of Linz, Austria, where Anton Bruckner lays to rest. My dear friend David Rahbee (who guest conducted CSO last season for All-Haydn Program) enthusiastically guided me to this site, as he is an admirer of Bruckner's works.
Visit this site to see Bruckner's grave:
and yes, he is surrounded by a wall of human skulls.
I remember the air was damp and cool. As we walked quietly, the guide's voice and our footsteps echoed as we walked around.
To me, this movement replicates these sensations.
This movement is divided into two sections: Catacomb and "With the Dead in a Dead Language"
The first section consists of block chords with echo effects. Ravel's orchestration provides us this effect by only using brass, percussion, and darker timbered woodwinds (clarinets and bassoons), and string bass. Take a listen.
Then around 2:00, the second section (With the Dead in a Dead Language) of this movement begins. This section uses the melody from the Promenade, but it is accompanied by string tremolo effect (fast moving bow) which gives a chilling effect. In Ravel's orchestration, the rest of the orchestra joins in this part of the movement.
Enjoy!
Best,
Kayoko
