Mussorgsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
We’ll introduce masterpieces by Modest Mussorgsky, famous for Pictures at an Exhibition and Night on Bald Mountain (St.
John’s Eve on the Bare Mountain).
Isn’t Pictures at an Exhibition by Ravel?
Many people may say they’ve heard Night on Bald Mountain, but the original is of course by Mussorgsky; it became famous through performances of various arrangements.
Contrary to what you might expect, Mussorgsky actually wrote relatively few standalone orchestral pieces, leaving many songs and piano works instead.
I want you to get to know Mussorgsky’s original music, so this time I’ll be introducing some of his masterworks.
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Mussorgsky's masterpieces. Popular classical music (51–60)
“Baba Yaga” from the suite Pictures at an ExhibitionModest Mussorgsky
It’s a famous piece that has become synonymous with Modest Mussorgsky, one of “The Five” from Russia.
The “witch” in the title refers to Baba Yaga, a terrifying figure from Russian folklore, whose distinctive image—flying through the air in an iron mortar—is vividly portrayed in the music.
Among the movements of the suite Pictures at an Exhibition, this one is particularly striking; it is Mussorgsky’s most famous work, and if you’re well acquainted with this piece, you should also know the composer behind it.
It is often performed independently of the suite in orchestral concerts and is recommended for those who want to convey eeriness and wild intensity.
It has also been used as background music in films and television, effectively heightening tension in dramatic scenes.
It’s a great challenge for intermediate pianists looking for a piece with the character of game or film music!
Promenade (from the suite Pictures at an Exhibition)Modest Mussorgsky
This piece is part of the piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition, depicting in music the experience of walking around an art exhibit.
Its distinctive rhythm alternates between 5/4 and 6/4 time, and the melody—evocative of Russian folk music—leaves a strong impression.
You can hear in the music the sense of moving from one painting on display to the next, along with the emotions that accompany that walk.
The powerful, dignified character also conveys the composer’s respect for his friend and a sense of nostalgia.
It’s a good recommendation for beginning pianists and well-suited for learning unison technique, where both hands play the same melody.
It also shines in recitals, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Pictures at an Exhibition: PromenadeModest Mussorgsky
I’m currently active as a member of an orchestra, so classical music is full of irregular time signatures.
In the opening of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, the horn melody alternates between 5/4 and 6/4 time.
If you count it out on your fingers, I think you’ll go, “Oh, I see.” I’m impressed that you can create such a familiar-sounding melody even in irregular meter.
Symphonic Poem “Night on Bald Mountain”Modest Mussorgsky
Based on a Russian folk tale, this piece depicts the earth spirit Chernobog appearing on Bald Mountain on the eve of St.
John’s Day, raising a ruckus with his minions—demons, ghosts, and spirits—only to vanish with the break of dawn.
Because it’s often used in eerie scenes on TV, listening to it in midsummer lets you savor the atmosphere of a summer ghost story.
Varlaam’s Song from the opera Boris GodunovModest Petrovich Mussorgsky
From the opera Boris Godunov: Varlaam’s Song.
In the opera, Act I, Scene 2: the inn near the Lithuanian border.
Performed by bass Vladimir Metlin, conducted by Arkady Leitasch, with the Belgorod Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.