Composer M. P. Mussorgsky, "The Old Castle".

Today we will consider the work created by M. P. Mussorgsky - "Old Castle". Originally it was written for pianoforte, but it was repeatedly arranged by composers for orchestral performance and was processed in various musical styles.

History

Let's start with how Mussorgsky created his work. "Old Castle" is a play that is part of the "Pictures at an Exhibition" suite. A series of musical "images" is dedicated to the memory of another composer - artist and architect VA Hartmann.

Mussorgsky, "The Old Castle": features of the composition

The work was created in 1874. The basis for the play was the watercolor of Hartmann with the architecture of Italy. The sketch of the picture is not preserved. Exposed works were sold actively, the whereabouts of the canvas-mastermind are unknown. The work of Mussorgsky's "Old Castle" describes the corresponding medieval structure. Before him, a troubadour sings. The composer manages to revive this character. For this, he uses a thoughtful, flowing melody, sounding against the background of a monotonous measured accompaniment. Such music evokes a lyrical contemplative mood. The song of the troubadour is filled with knightly medievalism. Music conveys an idea that the artist painted through colors.

Author

Mussorgsky, according to the reviews of his contemporaries, is a fine pianist. He fascinated listeners when he sat down at the instrument. Through sound, he was able to recreate any picture. At the same time, the composer composed relatively little instrumental music. He was most attracted by the opera. It was she who devoted most of the creative powers to Mussorgsky. "Old Castle", however, is one of his most famous works. He set himself the artistic task of creating a psychological portrait and penetrating into the souls of his characters.