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)
Spinning Woman (Scherzino)Modest Mussorgsky
Spun Woman (Scherzino) is a piece composed in 1871 by the Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky.
Its structure is technically demanding, featuring interwoven 9/8 and 12/8 meters and extensive use of sixteenth notes.
As the title suggests, the work vividly evokes the spinning of a wheel and the nimble motions of hands drawing out thread, resulting in a light, rhythmic character.
Though not a large-scale composition, it conveys the richness of the Russian musical tradition and offers a clear glimpse into Mussorgsky’s compositional craft.
Suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’Modest Mussorgsky
Pictures at an Exhibition, a signature work by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky.
It is a masterpiece born from the inspiration he felt when visiting the memorial exhibition of his close friend, a painter, after the friend’s death.
Each movement vividly depicts different scenes based on the exhibited paintings, and by weaving the Promenade theme between the movements, the work gains a sense of unity and tension throughout.
Although this piece is strongly associated with the orchestral version, the original was actually written for piano! Why not try performing it on the piano and fully savor Mussorgsky’s distinctively Russian character?
“The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba Yaga)” from the suite “Pictures at an Exhibition”Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Mussorgsky’s masterpiece “The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba Yaga)” from his suite Pictures at an Exhibition is based on a Russian folktale.
The original tale, “Baba Yaga’s Hut,” is akin to Japan’s yamamba stories and is compelling for its eerie, sinister developments.
The music itself is crafted to evoke fear and anxiety through its melodies.
It’s a work notable for its complex structure, one that would hold up even in contemporary noise music and contemporary classical music.
Suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ No. 1 ‘Promenade’Modest Mussorgsky
The classical masterpiece Pictures at an Exhibition, widely beloved and featured in music textbooks, TV programs, and commercials, may be familiar to many as an orchestral work, but it was originally composed as a piano suite by the Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky.
Mourning the death of his friend, the Russian painter Viktor Hartmann, Mussorgsky depicted his experience visiting an exhibition of Hartmann’s works in this piece.
Among its movements, Promenade—a brilliant and striking opening piece—stands out.
A masterpiece themed around an art exhibition, it’s a work perfectly suited to the artistic spirit of autumn.
“The Great Gate of Kiev” from the suite Pictures at an ExhibitionModest Mussorgsky
Beginning with the resounding peal of grand bells and unfolding into a stately rhythm, this piece leaves a profound impression on its listeners.
Majestic themes intertwine with tranquil melodies, brilliantly conveying the dignity of the Great Gate of Kyiv and a sense of religious reverence.
Composed in 1874, this work is a significant piece that symbolizes the fusion of Russian nationalism and Western music.
It is recommended for those who wish to enjoy music of grand scale and rich color, and it will also be captivating for anyone interested in Russian history and culture.
“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.