Musorgsky [Músuhrsky] (Moussorgsky, Mussorgsky), Modest Petrovich (3-9/21–1839, Karevo [now Pskov distr.]; 3–16/28–1881, P.). Comp. and pianist. Musorgsky received his earliest lessons in music from his mother, who taught him to play the piano. Then at the age of 10, having been brought to P. to be enrolled in the Cadet School of the Guards, he began further piano lessons with A. A. Herke, a German pianist and pedagogue. Although destined for a career in the army, young Modest made striking…