The Great Gate of Kiev
The close of the cycle: full chords across the whole keyboard meant to make a gate of stone audible.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Modest Mussorgsky
- Year
- 1874
- Origin
- From Pictures at an Exhibition
- Key
- E♭ major
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
Many-noted chords in both hands, some beyond the octave. Strength and overview more than speed.
The real hurdle
The wide chords can be rolled if the hand does not reach – that is usual here and often sounds better than a squeezed grip.
How long does it take?
Two to four months.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Needs 88 keys and an instrument that carries full chords without rattling.
Instruments that suit it
Roland FP-E50 EU approx. €690–780Portable digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 EU approx. €2,200–2,600The Clavinova upper class: GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys – CFX plus Bösendorfer Imperial on board.
Kawai MP11SE EU approx. €2,200–2,350Stage piano with Grand Feel action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is The Great Gate of Kiev?
Many-noted chords in both hands, some beyond the octave. Strength and overview more than speed.
What key is The Great Gate of Kiev in?
The Great Gate of Kiev is in E♭ major.
How many keys do you need for The Great Gate of Kiev?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed The Great Gate of Kiev?
Modest Mussorgsky, 1874.
Can you download the sheet music for The Great Gate of Kiev for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn The Great Gate of Kiev?
Two to four months.
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