Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) was a prominent Russian composer known for his nationalist music and innovative use of Russian folk themes. Born into a noble family, he initially pursued a career in the civil service before turning to music full time. Mussorgsky's compositions, including "Pictures at an Exhibition" and "Boris Godunov," are celebrated for their emotional depth and bold disregard for traditional musical forms. Despite struggling with alcoholism and financial difficulties, Mussorgsky left a lasting impact on Russian music and is considered one of the "Mighty Five" composers who sought to create a uniquely Russian musical identity.