Mussorgsky and the Mighty Handful

3. What is universally recognized as Mussorgsky’s magnum opus?      

Mussorgsky’s opera Boris Godunov is universally considered to be his masterpiece. The opera was composed between 1868 and 1873. It is his only completed opera. The opera tells the story of the Russian ruler Boris Godunov during the Time of Troubles (1598-1613). The Time of Troubles began when Feodor I died without an heir in 1598. His death marked the end of the Rurik dynasty and led to a violent succession crisis with numerous usurpers and false Dmitrys (pretenders to the throne). Feodor’s brother-in-law was Boris Godunov, and he became Tsar in September of 1598. A brutal civil war ensued. This very dramatic opera contains some of Mussorgsky’s most powerful and progressive music. His use of the whole-tone scale and tritone relationships would influence composers such as Debussy and Ravel. 

The famous “Coronation Scene” from Boris Godunov: very advanced music for 1868!