Pictures
At An Exhibition
~ Mussorgsky ~

Running time: 37’ 14”

Hear samples from the soundtrack here

Read a review of this 2003 "Pictures" concert-exhibition that appeared in the New Zealand Listener

Martin Setchell organ with paintings by Philip Trusttum. Pictures at an Exhibition. Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd in The Press, (Christchurch) January 12, 2005

"This DVD captures an engaging and stimulating concert experience, the collaboration between organist Martin Setchell and painter Philip Trusttum that brought Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition to the Town Hall in splendid visual and aural technicolour.

The arrangements for organ enlarge the tonal palette of Mussorgsky's piano version in quite different ways to the established orchestrated versions – it is a fascinating listen, particularly as the fine music is accompanied by Trusttum's stark paintings.

My favourite painting is the catacombs, but they are all striking.

The opening Promenade establishes the performing stars of the show, Setchell and the Rieger Pipe Organ with views of the organ's internal workings, pipework and Setchell's agile fingers and feet.

In Setchell's hands, the organ achieves a broad spectrum of colour, dynamics and expression, from the lugubrious Bydlo and eerie catacombs, the chattering unhatched chicks and gossiping Frenchwomen, to the majesty of the Great Gate of Kiev.

Trusttum's artwork is captured with an overall general shot followed by zooms on specific detail so that a complete view is achieved. Sometimes it's the wide visual that makes the impact and sometimes it's the detail – you decide which.

This DVD comes highly recommended: for those who were at the concert, it brings back a great memory; for those who missed it, now's your chance to see and hear two superb artists at the top of their game. "

Read the latest exposition about this unique collaboration in the online edition of Art in New Zealand magazine. CONAL McCARTHY follows the artistic process and the fire of creativity that the project unleashed - as well as explaining some of the imagery and symbolism in Trusttum's works.
Click here to read the article

Please click here for the DVD (available in multi-zone PAL format)

“A bravura performance of an arrangement for solo organ of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition . . . an incredible palette of sound colours from the Rieger organ.” - The Press

“Trusttum’s art is rich in symbolism. . . their vigour and freshness give them a life of their own.” - The Listener