Which composer wrote Boris Godunov?

Which composer wrote Boris Godunov?

• A. Copland
• B. Debussy
• C. Mussorgsky
• D. Grieg

Answer: (C)

Identifying the composer of a famous opera is what's being tested. Boris Godunov is an opera written by Modest Mussorgsky, a central figure in developing a distinctly Russian operatic voice that emphasizes realism and national character. Mussorgsky aimed to convey Russian history and speech with natural declamation and vivid chorus scenes that mirror the era’s mood and atmosphere. The other names listed are notable composers from different places and periods who did not create this work: Copland is American, Debussy is French, and Grieg is Norwegian. They contributed to their own national styles but not this opera. It’s also useful to know that while Mussorgsky’s score was later revised by Rimsky-Korsakov, the original composer of the work is Mussorgsky, which is why he is the correct choice.

Identifying the composer of a famous opera is what's being tested. Boris Godunov is an opera written by Modest Mussorgsky, a central figure in developing a distinctly Russian operatic voice that emphasizes realism and national character. Mussorgsky aimed to convey Russian history and speech with natural declamation and vivid chorus scenes that mirror the era’s mood and atmosphere.

The other names listed are notable composers from different places and periods who did not create this work: Copland is American, Debussy is French, and Grieg is Norwegian. They contributed to their own national styles but not this opera.

It’s also useful to know that while Mussorgsky’s score was later revised by Rimsky-Korsakov, the original composer of the work is Mussorgsky, which is why he is the correct choice.