From the Archives - Piano Transformations

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published May 19, 2025 at 12:15 PM CDT

Many compositions originally composed for piano have been transformed into works for full orchestra. We’ll hear two splendid examples, both by Russian composers, including an unexpected setting of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”

Compositions and Recordings

Five Etudes - Tableux
by Sergei Rachmaninoff, arr. by Ottorino Respighi
Gianandrea Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic

Pictures at an Exhibition
by Modest Mussorgsky, arr. by Sir Henry Wood
Francois-Xavier Roth and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is Senior Producer for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3