“Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff and “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modeste Moussorgsky orchestrated by Maurice Ravel are two incredibly composed pieces of music. However, both pieces have their differences as well as their similarities. Although these beautiful pieces are similar due to the effort to represent works of art, "Carmina Burana" and "Pictures At An Exhibition" are different due to the history of the composers, the instruments used and the influences who led Carl Orff and Modeste. Mussorgsky to create these epic works of art. “Carmina Burana” and “Pictures at an Exhibition” are two wonderfully composed pieces of music, but the composers themselves were very different. Carl Orff was born on July 10, 1895 in Munich, Germany. Orff began learning to play the piano at the age of five and soon realized that he wanted to become a composer more than play. Orff is best known for the composition of "Carmina Burana", which was very popular within Nazi parties and camps. In contrast, the composer of “Pictures at an Exhibition” is Modest Mussorgsky, born just south of St. Petersburg on March 21, 1839. When Mussorgsky was introduced to Alexander Dargomyjsky, a very important Russian composer, Mussorgsky began his career professional music. . “Pictures at an Exhibition” is one of Mussorgsky's most imaginative and creative works. The backgrounds of Carl Orff and Modeste Mussorgsky provide useful knowledge for comparing some of their most popular musical works. The two composers are similar in structure and imagination, but different when exploring their beginnings and influences in the world of music. Another comparison between Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' and Modeste Moussorgsky...... middle of paper .... art are 'The Gnome', 'The Old Castle', 'The Tuileries' and 'The Gnome'. Livestock.” Listening to “Pictures at an Exhibition,” one can clearly understand the transitions of the paintings and the feelings Mussorgsky felt upon seeing the work of art. Carl Orff and Modeste Mussorgsky were influenced by works of art, whether poems, paintings or drawings. This influence between the two composers is clearly visible in both pieces of music. In the end, it becomes clear that Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" and Modeste Mussorgsky's "Pictures At An Exhibition" share similarities such as the instruments used and influences, but share differences such as the history of the composers and the time these pieces were composed. “Carmina Burana” and “Pictures At An Exhibition” are both beautifully composed works and will continue to intrigue the minds of all who listen to them..