Tchaikovsky

by Stephen Gospage

Sunday 22nd January 2023 9:16 am

Should I listen to Tchaikovsky

At the opera or ballet?

Should I enjoy his symphonies,

In recordings by the Hallé?

The ‘Little Russian’ tests our taste;

Some say it denigrates Ukraine.

And what about the Eighteen-Twelve’s

Bombastic cannon-ball refrain?

Divide the artist from his art?

That’s not the point; this artist’s great.

It’s not his fault where he was born;

He stands above the arms of state.

Let’s not be bound by origins,

For culture is universal.

The works of such a genius

Deserve maximum dispersal.

So I shall go and listen to

The beauty of his lilting waltz;

Yet while I sit there mesmerised,

The war still nestles in my thoughts.

Comments

Stephen Gospage

Tue 24th Jan 2023 07:20

Thank you, Uilleam. And thanks to New Shoes, KJ and K Lynn.

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Sun 22nd Jan 2023 22:21

A very difficult subject Stephen. Thanks for your efforts.

Stephen Gospage

Sun 22nd Jan 2023 21:39

Thank you, Uilleam. I wrote this in response to multiple appeals from various groups to cancel performances of Russian musical works in the West. I would draw some lines though: for instance, musicians or singers who are known to be close to the Russian government.

Tchaikovsky is a particular case because he was considered a rather 'European' composer and not a Russian nationalist. Likewise Stravinsky and Rachmaninov spent most of their careers abroad. But where do you stop? Is being 'Too Russian' a reason to be cancelled if you lived a century or more ago? I do not think so. Their culture has so much to offer.

Barenboim was (and still is) a force of nature who has done much good. Mind you, even as a Wagner fan, I realise how understandably sensitive this composer's presence is in Israel and I fully respect its people's reservations.

And thanks to Nigel, Frederick, Hugh and Stephen.

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh

Sun 22nd Jan 2023 09:41

Let’s not be bound by origins,
For culture is universal.

Very true.

Your poem brings to mind the hypocrisy which saw the great Daniel Barenboim condemned as a "Self-Hating Jew" for conducting Wagner's work, and for his involvement with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, a project which grouped together Arab and Israeli musicians.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

Tchaikovsky

Comments

Please consider supporting us