M. Mussorgsky Boris Godunov and Khovanshchina: the truth about "gossip"

Much has been written about the subject-matter of Modest Mussorgsky's operas.However, its significance is so great that it is still waiting for its interpreters, performers and listeners despite the established research and performing tradition.As V.Stasov said, Mussorgsky was "one of the greatest Russian people".The composer's entire life was determined by the desire to serve his people, honestly and truthfully applying his God-given talent.Mussorgsky's operas continue to catechize the listener which was begun by M.Glinka and A.Dargomyzhsky.However, Modest Mussorgsky preached his stage sermon, opening a new era of musical theatre, in which, as in the life of "man and the human masses", in which only he was interested, there was almost no room left for evangelical service to one's close one.The composer showed this through the events of the Time of Troubles.And although there are calls "Gossip women and men to justice!" coming from his heroes, Mussorgsky did not judge anyone.He wanted the listener "to have a conclusion".Mussorgsky's creative work is a prophetic omen of the revolutionary cataclysms which began already during his time but which occurred later.He aroused concern through creativity, warning his compatriots, cautioning and wanting to protect.The composer still addresses us today.Like the world-famous ancient tragedians, Mussorgsky composed to educate the listener.The number of his mature works corresponds to ancient theatrical traditions -three tragedies and two comedies.Boris Godunov, Khovanshchina and the never started but only conceived, Pugachevshchina, are tragedies or, as the composer called them, folk dramas.Mussorgsky's creative scope undoubtedly met the challenges of that time.