Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was undoubtedly a man of the world in the broadest sense. He first heard English as a child in Votkinsk, where English technology was used and English engineers were employed. According to the composer’s brother Modest, the Tchaikovsky home was ‘a gathering place for all of Votkinsk’ frequented by the refined and … Continue reading “Tchaikovsky’s Lifelong Dialogue with British Culture”
Mily Balakirev: A Musical Journey Shaped by Personal and Cultural Forces
In the heart of Nizhny Novgorod, young Mily Balakirev cherished a quiet corner adorned with sacred icons, gifts that nourished his early spiritual life. Alongside his family, Balakirev regularly attended church, embedding a deep sense of tradition from a young age. However, his years at the all-male gymnasium revealed another side to him—known for his … Continue reading “Mily Balakirev: A Musical Journey Shaped by Personal and Cultural Forces”