Modest Mussorgski

Song of The Flea

Moussorgsky was on a recital tour of southern Russia when he was inspired to write the Song of the Flea. It became popular immediately with audiences and remains so today. The correct title is The Song of MephistophelesinAuerbach's Cellar from Goethe's Faust. The staccato Piano and laughing refrain wonderfully evoke the jumping flea and the absurdity of the lyric. Modest Moussorgsky was a Russian composer of the 19th century who, alone and asamember of The Five, worked to produce truly Russian art music rather than imitating European traditions. Moussorgsky is internationally known for works like the opera Boris Godunov, Orchestral work Night on Bald Mountain andthePiano suite Pictures at an Exhibition.