One of the "Mighty Five" group of Russian 19th century composers. Mussorgsky is best known for his piano works, songs and the opera Boris Godunov. See the works listed in the background of the portrait.
Born: Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky, 21 March 1839, in Karevo, Russia Father: Pyotr Alexeyevich Musirskoy Mother: Yulia Ivanovna nee Chirikova Siblings: 4th and eldest son.
1st two, both named Alexei, both died aged 2
3rd son, his brother Filaret Evgeny Partners: none Children: none Died: 28 March 1881, St Petersburg age 42 Cause of death: alcoholic epilepsy Grave: Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Saint Petersburg see findagrave
Also spelt: Musorgsky, Moussorgsky, Mussurgsky, Musorgskij
Best known:
- Boris Godunov (opera)
- Khovanshchina (opera)
- Pictures at an Exhibition (piano suite)
- Night on a Bare Mountain (symphonic poem)
- Songs & Dances of Death (song cycle)
- The Nursery
- The Song of the Flea (song)
65 songs
Night on a Bare Mountain - Disney's Fantasia
Quotes
"Thanks to nanny, I've got a deep understanding of Russian tales.
This deep feeling for the soul of common people; their life became the main impulse for musical improvisation before I learned the basics in piano"
"Art is not an end in itself, but a means of addressing humanity."
A brief biography
Age 6 - Piano lessons from his mother
Age 10 - Went with his brother to St Peter's School in Saint Peterburg. Had a good piano teacher and started to compose piano pieces.
Age 13 - Following family tradition of military service he entered the Cadet School of Guards. He was popular with his fellow cadets because of his piano playing.
Age 17 - graduated and received a commission with one of the best regiments of the Imperial Guard. Became friends with Borodin - they both worked at the military hospital in Saint Petersburg.
Mixed with several eminent cultural figures including Stasov, Cesar Cui (a fellow officer), Balakirev, Rimsky-Korsakov.
Age 19 - resigned his commission in order to concentrate on music.
Age 20 - helped in the production of Glinka's opera 'A Life of the Tsar'.
Age 22 - Because of the 'Peasant Reform of 1861' he returned to Karevo to try to save the family estate. The estate was lost and with it his security.
Age 24 - Returned to Saint Petersburg and became a civil servant in the Department of Communications.
Was an active member of 'The Five' a group of five Russian composers: Borodin, César Cui, Rimsky-Korsakov and their leader Mily Balakirev
Age 26 - Mother died. His alcoholic problems became worse.
Age 28 - Finished 'Night on a Bald Mountain' but it was not performed until after his death.
Age 29-32 - Wrote his opera 'Boris Godunov' whilst working for the Forestry Department and living with friends.
Shared a room with Rimsky-Korsakov.
Age 33-40 - Years of physical decline due to his drinking. He did however manage to continue composing. He was lucky to have a music-loving boss who was tolerant of hus frequent absences from work.
Age 40 - Sacked from government service. His friends organised a fund to enable him to continue composing.
Age 41 - suffered 4 seizures and died in hospital soon after his 42nd birthday.
Pictures at an Exhibition - Valery Gergiev - Mussorgsky (Ravel)
and the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra
Turn up the volume, sit back and enjoy!
Links
Answers.com various reference sites including Wikipedia
