"sunless", a piano suite "pictures at an exhibition" and started two operas: "khovanschina" and "the fair at sorochyntsi". a lot of his friends were drinking, and many of them died. he was lucky to keep his job: his boss was very keen on music and allowed him a lot of time off work. however, in 1880 he eventually lost his job. he was very poor. a group of friends got together to give him money so that he could finish the two operas he was composing. he almost managed to finish "khovanschina" but "the fair at sorochyntsi" remained unfinished. he became ill. the famous painter repin made a painting of the composer, showing him with a red nose and glazed eyes. he died a week after his 42nd birthday.