This is the largest life-and-works of Musorgsky ever to have appeared outside Russia. Musorgsky created stunning masterpieces in such creations as his opera Boris Godunov and piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition - yet his life was tragic. It is this pathetic tale, interlaced with critical discussion of music, that is this book's concern.
CONTENTS
Preface
Illustrations
1. Childhood and early years
2. The making of a composer: I
3. The making of a composer: II
4. The early songs: I
5. Salammbo
6. The early songs: II
7. St John's Night on the Bare Mountain more songs
8. The Marriage: towards Boris
9. Boris Godunov: composition and production
10. Boris Godunov
11. Life alongside Boris - The Nursery completed, A note on Musorgsky's spelling of his name
12. Life alongside Boris II: Khovanshchina begun
13. Two relationships: Pictures at an Exhibition and Sunless
14. Khovanshchina
15. Songs and Dances of Death: Last songs
16. Sorochintsy Fair
17. Final years
18. Postlude: the century since
Appendices
A. Calendar
B. List of works
C. Personalia
D. Select bibliography
Index