Modest Mussorgsky Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Suite ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ No. 1 ‘Promenade’Modest Mussorgsky22rank/position

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition — Freddy Kempf, piano

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.

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“The Great Gate of Kiev” from the suite Pictures at an ExhibitionModest Mussorgsky23rank/position

The Great Gate of Kiev (Pictures at an Exhibition)

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 Mussorgsky24rank/position

Baba Yaga (Pictures at an Exhibition)

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 Mussorgsky25rank/position

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition – Promenade (Piano Sheet Music)

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 ExhibitionModest Mussorgsky26rank/position

Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition – Karajan

Pictures at an Exhibition is a composition consisting of ten pieces inspired by paintings and five Promenades.

There are arrangements by Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel, but it was Ravel’s version that made Pictures at an Exhibition famous.

In addition to the orchestral version, it has been arranged into various formats, including piano and wind ensemble versions, and is performed by many people.

Promenade from ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’Modest Mussorgsky27rank/position

Promenade, The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yaga), and The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition (Ravel version) – Live

This is Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky.

Originally a piano suite, it became even more widely known through later orchestral arrangements.

In this video, in addition to Promenade, The Hut on Fowl’s Legs – Baba Yaga and The Great Gate of Kyiv are performed.

Above all, Promenade, which begins with a trumpet solo, is a striking piece that conveys a dignified atmosphere.

Symphonic Poem “Night on Bald Mountain”Modest Mussorgsky28rank/position

[Fedoseyev] Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain

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.