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.
- A gem of a masterpiece by the composer of the piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky.
- Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
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- Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Masterpieces of the bolero. Recommended popular pieces in bolero form and outstanding performances.
- Masterpiece Rhapsodies: A Curated Selection of Brilliant Rhapsodies That Illuminate Classical Music History
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Introducing Maurice Ravel’s Famous and Representative Works
- Stravinsky’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- Rachmaninoff’s masterpieces. Recommended pieces by Rachmaninoff.
- A masterpiece by Alexander Borodin. Popular classical music.
- Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
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Mussorgsky’s masterpieces: Popular classical music (31–40)
On the southern coast of Crimea, No. 1: Gurzuf — Ayu-DagModest Mussorgsky
“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
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
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
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, 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!
Mussorgsky’s masterpieces. Popular classical music (41–50)
Symphonic Poem ‘Night on Bald Mountain’Modest Mussorgsky
Modest Mussorgsky, a composer who epitomizes the Russian nationalist school.
His brilliantly original symphonic poem Night on Bald Mountain is a masterpiece that conjures a fantastical world inspired by Russian folktales.
On the eve of St.
John’s Day, the raucous revelry of demons and spirits gathering on the bald mountain is depicted through dramatic orchestration and innovative harmonies.
From the eerie scene of earth-spirits appearing to the refreshing finale that heralds the dawn, a dynamic narrative unfolds.
The richly folk-inflected music reflects his deep affection for his cultural roots.
Whether you’re new to classical music or a seasoned listener, this is a must-hear masterpiece—why not enjoy it on the piano as well?
Symphonic Poem “Night on Bald Mountain” (arr. by Rimsky-Korsakov)Modest Mussorgsky
The nine minutes of intensity and tension never let up in Symphonic Poem “Night on Bald Mountain” (arr.
Rimsky-Korsakov), which was published in 1886 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
The piece was originally composed by Modest Mussorgsky, but since it had remained unpublished, Rimsky-Korsakov arranged it out of a desire to bring it to the world.
The theme depicts earth spirits throwing a wild revel with sprites and ghosts on the eve of St.
John’s Day.
Its bold and stylish arrangement is highly recommended even for those who don’t usually listen to classical music.
In fact, it was used in Disney’s Fantasia and has been covered by numerous bands, so you may have heard it at least once.
