Beethoven, Schumann und Wagner: stilistische Einflüsse deutscher Musik auf Mussorgskijs Schaffen
Beethoven, Schumann and Wagner: stylistic influence of German music in the works of Mussorgsky

Summary/Abstract: While Wagner's impact on Musorgsky appears limited to a few quotes from Lohengrin and Siegfried in Boris Godunov and Pictures at an Exhibition, respectively, Beethovens's influences on the Russian composer are far more extensive. Already Musorgsky's early scherzo compositions are clearly modelled on Beethoven's scherzi from his 4th and 9th Symphony. In addition, the central themes in Boris Godunov utilize earlier Beethoven themes, and many later Musorgsky subjects from Songs and Dances of Death and Khovanshchina are based on ideas from Beethoven's string quartets op. 132 and 133. Even more impressive are Musorgsky's numerous borrowings from Schumann's works. These include cyclical intonations from Schumann's first two symphonies, the piano compositions Carnaval and Kinderszenen (both actually quoted in Pictures at an Exhibition!) and several declamatory Schumann songs. Together the Beethoven and Schumann influences on Musorgsky's creative output indicate extensive stylistic ties between German and Russian music of the 19th century.

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