Session 20 includes musical works from four out of five members of the Mighty Handful of Russian composers, who were artists dedicated to creating a purely Russian brand of classical music. Their works sought to capture the spirit of Russia, yet they wound up not with one brand of uniquely Russian music but rather several contrasting musical characterizations of Russian culture.

Modest Mussorgsky captured the regality and heaviness of Russian rule, conquest, glory, and fable in his works “Baba Yaga” and “The Great Gate of Kiev” from Pictures at an Exhibition and in Night on Bald Mountain. In “Baba Yaga,” heavy brass and glissandos reflect the ominous nature of the supernatural witch in Russian folklore, Baba Yaga. In “The Great Gate of Kiev,” also called “Hero’s gate,” heavy bells, brass and strings build up, evoking a march of heroic pride at Russia’s huge land, their military prowess, and their long history. The Night on Bald Mountain arrangement for Fantasia in 1940 reflects the depicted witch’s sabbath before St. John’s day, as call and response lyrical measures, screeches and rolls, and tense dark tones accompany the demonic revelry.

The works of Mily Balakirev and Alexander Borodin present a completely different characterization of Russian spirit. Balakirev’s “Russia” presents a tenderness and elegance with light strings and woodwinds, especially drawing out flourishes on the flute and harp. Borodin’s “In the Steppes of Central Asia” utilizes sustained tones, layered buildup of string instruments, and a light rhythmic pulse. These works perhaps reflect the refinement and sophistication of a Russian culture that previously was repressed by economic, political, and military suppression.

Whether it be the sustenance of Russian spirit throughout the people’s suffering throughout the ages or the great booming pride that conquest and autocracy represent, aspects of Russian culture took on their own authentic life in the works of The Mighty Handful. There arose no central Russian musical brand, but rather another one of the many Russian cultural contradictions arose. Competing musical characterizations now rightfully join the West versus East and Moscow versus St Petersburg dichotomies that have shaped Russia so distinctly throughout its history.