Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1874

Publication Date

:

1874

Average_duration

:

2:28

"Within Four Walls" is a piano suite composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1874. The suite was never completed, and only two movements were finished: "The Nursery" and "The Ballroom". The suite was published posthumously in 1886, after Mussorgsky's death. The first movement, "The Nursery", is a set of five pieces that depict a child's playroom. The pieces are titled "With the Doll", "The Sick Doll", "The Hobby-Horse", "The Top", and "The Peasant Plays the Accordion". The movement is characterized by its use of simple melodies and rhythms, as well as its childlike sense of wonder and playfulness. The second movement, "The Ballroom", is a single piece that depicts a grand ballroom. The movement is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as its sense of grandeur and elegance. The movement is also notable for its use of a recurring theme that is introduced at the beginning of the piece and returns throughout. Despite its incomplete state, "Within Four Walls" is considered to be one of Mussorgsky's most important works for piano. The suite is notable for its use of programmatic elements, which were a departure from the more abstract style of piano music that was popular at the time. The suite also showcases Mussorgsky's unique style, which was characterized by its use of folk melodies and rhythms, as well as its unconventional harmonies and forms. "Within Four Walls" premiered in 1886, after its publication. The suite has since become a staple of the piano repertoire, and is frequently performed and recorded by pianists around the world.

More....