Modest Mussorgsky
1839 – 1881
Mussorgsky was the wildest of the Russian nationalists — rough-hewn, original, and fearless. His music bursts with Russian soul, from peasant dances to supernatural terror. Raw power over polish.
Essential Listening
Pictures at an Exhibition - The Great Gate of Kiev
Triumphant bells and brass crown a musical gallery tour. This finale captures Russian grandeur in overwhelming sound.
Night on Bald Mountain
Witches' sabbath on a haunted mountain. Made famous by Fantasia — terrifying, exhilarating, and brilliantly orchestrated.
Boris Godunov - Coronation Scene
Bells ring out as Boris becomes Tsar. Pomp and foreboding mingle — a ruler haunted before he begins.
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