Mussorgsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.

From the suite Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and SchmuÿleModest Petrovich Mussorgsky

Suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle

From the suite Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle.

Hartmann’s original drawing depicts two Jewish men sketched in Sandomierz, Poland.

Performed by the Mishima Philharmonic Orchestra of Shizuoka Prefecture.

From the suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, The Market at LimogesModest Petrovich Mussorgsky

Suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’: Limoges – The Market (Great News)

From the suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’: Limoges – The Market; Catacombs – Sepulchrum Romanum; With the Dead in a Dead Language; The Hut on Fowl’s Legs.

Performed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Tokyo Band, conducted by Hiroyuki Kumazaki.

Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks from the suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky

Mussorgsky: Tableaux d’une exposition – V – Ballet des poussins dans leur coque

From the suite Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of Unhatched Chicks (Ballet des poussins dans leurs coques).

The original picture was apparently drawn as a costume design for a ballet performed at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Performed by the Szeged Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ervin Acél.

The Old Castle, from the suite Pictures at an ExhibitionModest Petrovich Mussorgsky

Quadri di un’esposizione – Il Vecchio Castello

From the suite “Pictures at an Exhibition,” The Old Castle (Il Vecchio Castello).

Performed by I Pomeriggi Musicali, based in Milan, Italy.

Alto saxophone solo: Marco Albonetti; bassoon: Lorenzo Lumachi; conductor: Aldo Ceccato.

Dance of the Persian Slaves from the opera KhovanshchinaModest Petrovich Mussorgsky

Persian Slave Dance from Mussorgsky's 'Khovanshchina,' conducted by Simonov

“Dance of the Persian Slaves” from Act IV, Scene 1 of the opera Khovanshchina.

This piece accompanies the dance scene set in Prince Ivan Khovansky’s residence.

Performed by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, based in Geneva, conducted by Emmanuel Krivine.

On the southern coast of Crimea, No. 1: Gurzuf — Ayu-DagModest Mussorgsky

Mussorgsky – Gurzuf (Near the Soutern Shore of the Crimea)

“On the Southern Shore of Crimea,” a gem among the piano works left by Modest Mussorgsky, a composer emblematic of the Russian national school.

The first piece, “Gurzuf, at Ayu-Dag,” is a masterpiece in which he expresses the scenery and natural beauty he felt during his late-life visit to the Crimean Peninsula through deeply emotive music.

Mussorgsky’s distinctive, dramatic, and richly expressive style intertwines exquisitely with harmonies infused with folk elements, vividly depicting the landscapes of the places he visited.

Capturing the grandeur of Crimea’s nature in every nuance of the piano’s timbre, this work is a piece recommended not only for classical music fans but for everyone who loves music.

On the Southern Coast of Crimea, No. 2: “Baidary”Modest Mussorgsky

Mussorgsky – Capriccio (Near the Soutern Shore of the Crimea)

The piano suite On the Southern Shore of Crimea, composed by the great master of the Russian nationalist school Modest Mussorgsky after being inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the Crimean Peninsula.

Among these masterpieces, which stand out for their rich expressiveness in depicting scenes of nature and their distinctive folk-inflected sonorities, the second piece, “Baidary,” is particularly striking.

In this work, Mussorgsky’s characteristic tonal ambiguity and bold use of modal scales vividly color the many faces of the picturesque coastline.

Although the performance demands are considerable, its emotionally stirring, romantic melodies and the finesse required for delicate touch irresistibly captivate listeners.

It is a work highly recommended for anyone wishing to savor the allure of classical music.

Scherzo in C-sharp minorModest Mussorgsky

Mussorgsky: Scherzo pf. Mai Koshio

Modest Mussorgsky, a Russian composer, is one of the leading figures of the Russian Nationalist School.

His piano piece Scherzo in C-sharp minor is characterized by complex harmonies and rhythms as well as dynamic expression.

In this work, which reflects his musical language and deep understanding of the piano, rapid passages alternate with calmer sections, keeping the listener engaged.

While technically demanding, it is a rewarding piece for performers capable of expressing a wide range of emotions.

The Skaters’ WaltzModest Mussorgsky

The Skaters’ Waltz (Philadelphia Orchestra)

It’s a classic among pop classics.

If you go to an ice rink, this piece is always playing.

Even if you don’t go to the rink, everyone knows it! Since it’s a waltz, it’s naturally elegant and beautiful, but it also has a somewhat comical element, making it a familiar masterpiece of the waltz genre.

As for BGM usage, of course it’s at ice rinks.

Sonata for Piano Four HandsModest Mussorgsky

Modest Mussorgsky – Sonata for Piano Four-hands

Modest Mussorgsky, a Russian composer, is known as one of the “Mighty Handful” of the Russian nationalist school and displayed musical talent from an early age.

His Sonata for Piano Four Hands was composed around the age of 18 as a study piece; only the first movement in C major was completed, while the second movement in C minor remains unfinished.

Mussorgsky was strongly influenced by Russian folk music, traces of which can be heard in this work as well.

Making full use of the piano four-hands format, the piece showcases his distinctive individuality—be sure to enjoy it with a friend!