Letter 3266 - Revision history

Tony: "constricted" to "constructed" / added apostrophe

2026-01-20T21:39:55Z

"constricted" to "constructed" / added apostrophe

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:39, 20 January 2026
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	I sailed along the Volga for five days; in [[Astrakhan]] I boarded a small ship, taking me along the estuary to the shore. There I transferred to a sea schooner, which 2 days later arrived in [[Baku]]. The Caspian sea is very stormy, and on the first night there was such furious pitching that I thought the ship would be dashed to smithereens at any moment. Fortunately, I am not susceptible to seasickness, and merely suffered a sleepless night. The following day, and particularly the divine moonlit night, brought me boundless pleasure. In general this whole long journey was a pleasure for me and, if I am not mistaken, proved useful for my strained nerves. In fact I had a splendid rest.		I sailed along the Volga for five days; in [[Astrakhan]] I boarded a small ship, taking me along the estuary to the shore. There I transferred to a sea schooner, which 2 days later arrived in [[Baku]]. The Caspian sea is very stormy, and on the first night there was such furious pitching that I thought the ship would be dashed to smithereens at any moment. Fortunately, I am not susceptible to seasickness, and merely suffered a sleepless night. The following day, and particularly the divine moonlit night, brought me boundless pleasure. In general this whole long journey was a pleasure for me and, if I am not mistaken, proved useful for my strained nerves. In fact I had a splendid rest.

	[[Baku]] is a most unique and interesting city, beautifully ~~constricted~~, clean, lively — but utterly devoid of vegetation. And then the air is saturated with ''oil'' to the point that eventually it seems as though you are breathing it. I stayed overnight in [[Baku]]. The following day I went to inspect the famous ''Balkhany'', where oil is produced, and saw a majestic fountain of oil that had been released just the day before. On the eleventh day after leaving [[Moscow]], I finally reached [[Tiflis]], where I found my family completely safe and well.		[[Baku]] is a most unique and interesting city, beautifully constructed, clean, lively — but utterly devoid of vegetation. And then the air is saturated with ''oil'' to the point that eventually it seems as though you are breathing it. I stayed overnight in [[Baku]]. The following day I went to inspect the famous ''Balkhany'', where oil is produced, and saw a majestic fountain of oil that had been released just the day before. On the eleventh day after leaving [[Moscow]], I finally reached [[Tiflis]], where I found my family completely safe and well.

	It is impossible to describe to you how excruciating the heat is here. It is so deadly poisonous that today is the first time I have found the inner strength to put pen to paper. During the first few days, I felt completely drained physically and mentally all day long, and the stuffy night did not give me the opportunity to refresh myself with a good sleep. Today a north wind started blowing after a thunderstorm, and it has become fresher.		It is impossible to describe to you how excruciating the heat is here. It is so deadly poisonous that today is the first time I have found the inner strength to put pen to paper. During the first few days, I felt completely drained physically and mentally all day long, and the stuffy night did not give me the opportunity to refresh myself with a good sleep. Today a north wind started blowing after a thunderstorm, and it has become fresher.

	Here, despite the heat, a Russian drama troupe with ''Savina'' at its head gives performances every evening. I have seen her 3 times: in "''Marguerite Gautier''", "''The Savage''" and in "''The Enchantress''". The latter was given as her benefit. Savina so earnestly requested me to be at her benefit that, despite my extreme reluctance to see "''The Enchantress''" in the form of a drama, I had to go. In general I am not amongst ''Savina''s fervent admirers, but in "''The Enchantress''" she seemed to me beneath all criticism, and I absolutely do not understand how ''[[Ippolit Vasilyevich]]'' can consider her an exemplary performer of this role. Lord, how far she is from the ideal "''Enchantress''" who resided in my imagination!!! The audience did not share my opinion, and their delight was indescribable; never in my life have I seen such an ovation as ''Savina'' received that evening. I liked ''Savina'' most of all in "''The Savage''", and even then I could not and never will come to terms with the horrible ''timbre'' of her voice. This voices prevents me from properly appreciating her talent, which is undoubted and distinctive.		Here, despite the heat, a Russian drama troupe with ''Savina'' at its head gives performances every evening. I have seen her 3 times: in "''Marguerite Gautier''", "''The Savage''" and in "''The Enchantress''". The latter was given as her benefit. Savina so earnestly requested me to be at her benefit that, despite my extreme reluctance to see "''The Enchantress''" in the form of a drama, I had to go. In general I am not amongst ''Savina'''s fervent admirers, but in "''The Enchantress''" she seemed to me beneath all criticism, and I absolutely do not understand how ''[[Ippolit Vasilyevich]]'' can consider her an exemplary performer of this role. Lord, how far she is from the ideal "''Enchantress''" who resided in my imagination!!! The audience did not share my opinion, and their delight was indescribable; never in my life have I seen such an ovation as ''Savina'' received that evening. I liked ''Savina'' most of all in "''The Savage''", and even then I could not and never will come to terms with the horrible ''timbre'' of her voice. This voices prevents me from properly appreciating her talent, which is undoubted and distinctive.

	Regarding all that you write to me in both letters about ''[[Kashperov]]'' and his famous opera, I shall tell you the following. At the end of April, three events occurred in the very same week, after which [[Moscow]] will forever be disgusting to me. In this week there was 1) Slavyansky's jubilee; 2) the production of [[Kashperov]]'s rubbish, and 3) Shostakovsky's school being rated the equal of the Conservatory in terms of rights and importance. A city in which such abominations are possible has forever covered itself with indelible shame. When the public called for [[Kashperov]], [[Ippolit Vasilyevich]] went out on stage with him! Lord! Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And presenting [[Kashperov]] with a wreath is the last word in stupidity and shame.		Regarding all that you write to me in both letters about ''[[Kashperov]]'' and his famous opera, I shall tell you the following. At the end of April, three events occurred in the very same week, after which [[Moscow]] will forever be disgusting to me. In this week there was 1) Slavyansky's jubilee; 2) the production of [[Kashperov]]'s rubbish, and 3) Shostakovsky's school being rated the equal of the Conservatory in terms of rights and importance. A city in which such abominations are possible has forever covered itself with indelible shame. When the public called for [[Kashperov]], [[Ippolit Vasilyevich]] went out on stage with him! Lord! Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And presenting [[Kashperov]] with a wreath is the last word in stupidity and shame.

Brett at 19:57, 25 August 2024

2024-08-25T19:57:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:57, 25 August 2024
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	It is impossible to describe to you how excruciating the heat is here. It is so deadly poisonous that today is the first time I have found the inner strength to put pen to paper. During the first few days, I felt completely drained physically and mentally all day long, and the stuffy night did not give me the opportunity to refresh myself with a good sleep. Today a north wind started blowing after a thunderstorm, and it has become fresher.		It is impossible to describe to you how excruciating the heat is here. It is so deadly poisonous that today is the first time I have found the inner strength to put pen to paper. During the first few days, I felt completely drained physically and mentally all day long, and the stuffy night did not give me the opportunity to refresh myself with a good sleep. Today a north wind started blowing after a thunderstorm, and it has become fresher.

	Here, despite the heat, a Russian drama troupe with ''Savina'' at its head gives performances every evening. I have seen her 3 times: in "''Marguerite Gautier''", "''The Savage''" and in "''The Enchantress''". The latter was given as her benefit. [[Savina]] so earnestly requested me to be at her benefit that, despite my extreme reluctance to see "''The Enchantress''" in the form of a drama, I had to go. In general I am not amongst ''Savina''s fervent admirers, but in "''The Enchantress''" she seemed to me beneath all criticism, and I absolutely do not understand how ''[[Ippolit Vasilyevich]]'' can consider her an exemplary performer of this role. Lord, how far she is from the ideal "''Enchantress''" who resided in my imagination!!! The audience did not share my opinion, and their delight was indescribable; never in my life have I seen such an ovation as ''Savina'' received that evening. I liked ''Savina'' most of all in "''The Savage''", and even then I could not and never will come to terms with the horrible ''timbre'' of her voice. This voices prevents me from properly appreciating her talent, which is undoubted and distinctive.		Here, despite the heat, a Russian drama troupe with ''Savina'' at its head gives performances every evening. I have seen her 3 times: in "''Marguerite Gautier''", "''The Savage''" and in "''The Enchantress''". The latter was given as her benefit. Savina so earnestly requested me to be at her benefit that, despite my extreme reluctance to see "''The Enchantress''" in the form of a drama, I had to go. In general I am not amongst ''Savina''s fervent admirers, but in "''The Enchantress''" she seemed to me beneath all criticism, and I absolutely do not understand how ''[[Ippolit Vasilyevich]]'' can consider her an exemplary performer of this role. Lord, how far she is from the ideal "''Enchantress''" who resided in my imagination!!! The audience did not share my opinion, and their delight was indescribable; never in my life have I seen such an ovation as ''Savina'' received that evening. I liked ''Savina'' most of all in "''The Savage''", and even then I could not and never will come to terms with the horrible ''timbre'' of her voice. This voices prevents me from properly appreciating her talent, which is undoubted and distinctive.

	Regarding all that you write to me in both letters about ''[[Kashperov]]'' and his famous opera, I shall tell you the following. At the end of April, three events occurred in the very same week, after which [[Moscow]] will forever be disgusting to me. In this week there was 1) Slavyansky's jubilee; 2) the production of [[Kashperov]]'s rubbish, and 3) Shostakovsky's school being rated the equal of the Conservatory in terms of rights and importance. A city in which such abominations are possible has forever covered itself with indelible shame. When the public called for [[Kashperov]], [[Ippolit Vasilyevich]] went out on stage with him! Lord! Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And presenting [[Kashperov]] with a wreath is the last word in stupidity and shame.		Regarding all that you write to me in both letters about ''[[Kashperov]]'' and his famous opera, I shall tell you the following. At the end of April, three events occurred in the very same week, after which [[Moscow]] will forever be disgusting to me. In this week there was 1) Slavyansky's jubilee; 2) the production of [[Kashperov]]'s rubbish, and 3) Shostakovsky's school being rated the equal of the Conservatory in terms of rights and importance. A city in which such abominations are possible has forever covered itself with indelible shame. When the public called for [[Kashperov]], [[Ippolit Vasilyevich]] went out on stage with him! Lord! Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And presenting [[Kashperov]] with a wreath is the last word in stupidity and shame.

Brett: Text replacement - "most sympathetic" to "most agreeable"

2024-07-18T08:24:14Z

Text replacement - "most sympathetic" to "most agreeable"

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:24, 18 July 2024
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	In August, I have promised to visit one of my brothers in [[Taganrog]], another in Kursk province, and my sister in [[Kiev]]. Will I manage to visit [[Sevastopol]]? I cannot tell you anything about that yet, dear [[Yuliya Petrovna]]! I would really like it if you were able to live somewhere on the South Bank.		In August, I have promised to visit one of my brothers in [[Taganrog]], another in Kursk province, and my sister in [[Kiev]]. Will I manage to visit [[Sevastopol]]? I cannot tell you anything about that yet, dear [[Yuliya Petrovna]]! I would really like it if you were able to live somewhere on the South Bank.

	The ''Father'' about whom you write is a truly unique and most ~~sympathetic~~ phenomenon. If only you could depict him in a short literary essay, add a few more studies and sketches and have the whole thing printed. I continue to think that you possess a genuine literary talent. What do you think about this?		The ''Father'' about whom you write is a truly unique and most agreeable phenomenon. If only you could depict him in a short literary essay, add a few more studies and sketches and have the whole thing printed. I continue to think that you possess a genuine literary talent. What do you think about this?

	''My address'': Caucasus, [[Borzhom]], Prince Gruzinsky's dacha.		''My address'': Caucasus, [[Borzhom]], Prince Gruzinsky's dacha.

Brett at 13:44, 13 July 2024

2024-07-13T13:44:04Z

Show changes

Brett: 1 revision imported

2022-07-12T12:41:45Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 14:41, 12 July 2022
(No difference)

Brett: Text replacement - ",—" to ", — "

2019-11-08T23:05:43Z

Text replacement - ",—" to ", — "

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{{letterhead
|Date=4/16 June 1887
|To=[[Yuliya Shpazhinskaya]]
|Place=[[Tiflis]]
|Language=Russian
|Autograph=[[Klin]] (Russia): {{RUS-KLč}} (a{{sup|3}}, No. 2086)
|Publication={{bibx|1940/242|Заря Востока}} (6 May 1940) (abridged)<br/>{{bibx|1951/53|П. И. Чайковский. С. И. Танеев. Письма}} (1951), p. 320–321<br/>{{bib|1974/53|П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений ; том XIV}} (1974), p. 118–121
}}
==Text==
{{Lettertext
|Language=Russian
|Translator=
|Original text={{right|''4 июня 1887}}
Я получил уже 2 Ваших письма, добрейшая Юлия Петровна, а сам только сегодня, на пятый день по приезде, собрался написать Вам. Впрочем, Вы раз навсегда уже простили мне мою неаккуратность.

Путешествием своим по Волге я очень доволен. Не то чтобы в своём течении Волга-матушка представляла изобилие красивых местностей, — открывающиеся с обеих сторон виды до крайности однообразны. Холмистый, иногда покрытый лесом правый берег и совершенно пустынный левый—вот и все. По временам села и города, но, впрочем, очень редко; весьма часто встречные пароходы, баржи, лодки—всего этого как раз достаточно, чтобы не слишком скучно было человеку, ищущему развлечения. Но русскому человеку, привыкшему к обширным горизонтам, к ширине и ровным линиям пассажа, доставляет неизъяснимое наслаждение сама матушка Волга, величественно и спокойно катящая, на пространстве нескольких вёрст в ширину, свои желтоватые волны к морю. Я совершенно влюблён в эту божественную, чудную реку и способен был бы целое лето плавать по ней взад и вперёд, но только под одним условием—на своём пароходе, в одиночестве. Суетливость большого парохода, переполненного пассажирами, из которых каждый как будто поставил себе задачей постоянно нарушать спокойное созерцательное наслаждение, которому собираешься предаваться, — очень мне не по сердцу. А уж эта несносная страсть лезть знакомиться и выпытывать куда вы, кто вы и зачем вы едете, — боже мой, как это несносно!

Плыл я по Волге пятеро суток; в Астрахани пересел на маленький пароход, везущий по устью до взморья. Там пересел на морскую шхуну, которая через 2 суток пришла в Баку. Каспийское море очень бурно, и в первую ночь была такая бешеная качка, что каждую минуту мне казалось, что пароход разобьётся вдребезги. К счастью, морской болезни я не подвержен и от делался только бессонной ночью. Следующие сутки, и особенно дивная лунная ночь, доставили мне безграничное наслаждение. В общем весь этот долгий переезд был мне приятен и, если не ошибаюсь, принёс моим усталым нервам пользу. Я в самом деле от лично от дохнул.

Баку очень своеобразный и интересный город, прелестно обстроенный, чистенький, оживлённый—но совершенно лишённый растительности. Зато ''нефтью'' воздух пропитан до того, что наконец кажется, как будто ею дышишь. Провёл в Баку сутки. На следующий день ездил осматривать знаменитые ''Балханы'', г де добывается нефть, и видел только-что накануне открывшийся величественный нефтяной фонтан. На одиннадцатый день по выезде из Москвы добрался, наконец, до Тифлиса, где нашёл своих здоровыми и совершенно благополучными.

Нельзя описать Вам, до чего здесь мучительна жара. Она до того убийственно ядовита, что сегодня в первый раз я нашёл в себе силу взяться за перо. Первые же дни я целый день чувствовал себя совершенно расслабленным физически и умственно, а душная ночь не давала возможности освежить себя хорошим сном. Сегодня подул северный ветер после грозы и стало свежее.

Здесь, несмотря на жару, каждый вечер даёт представления русская драматическая труппа с ''Савиной'' во г лаве. Я видел её 3 раза: в «''Маргарите Готье''», в «''Дикарке''» и в «''Чародейке''». Последняя шла в её бенефис. Савина так убедительно просила меня быть на её бенефисе, что, несмотря на крайнее нежелание видеть «''Чародейку''» в форме драмы, пришлось пойти. Я, вообще, не из рьяных поклонников ''Савиной'', но в «''Чародейке''» она показалась мне ниже всякой критики, и я решительно не понимаю, каким образом ''Ипполит Васильевич'' может считать её образцовой исполнительницей этой роли. Господи, как она далека от того идеала «''Чародейки''», который жил в моем воображении!!! Публика не разделяла моего мнения, и восторг был неописанный, и таких оваций, каких ''Савина'' удостоилась в этот вечер, я не видел ещё никогда в жизни. Всего более ''Савина'' понравилась мне в «''Дикарке''», да и то не мог я помириться и никогда не помирюсь с отвратительным ''тембром'' её голоса. Этот голос мешает мне ценить в должной мере её талант, который несомненен и самобытен.

По поводу всего, что Вы мне в обоих письмах пишете по поводу ''Кашперова'' и его знаменитой оперы, скажу Вам следующее. В конце апреля, на одной и той же неделе, случились в Москве три события, после которых Москва мне навсегда опостылела. На этой неделе было 1) юбилей Славянского, 2) представление Кашперовской пакости и 3) уравнение школы Шостаковского с консерваторией по правам и значению. Город, в котором возможны подобные мерзости, навсегда покрыл себя несмываемым позором. Ипполит Васильевич выходил с Кашперовым на вызовы публики! Господи! Прости его, ибо не ведает, что творит. А уж поднесение Кашперову венка—это последнее слово глупости и стыда.

У меня покамест нет ни малейшей охоты приниматься за новую работу. Главное препятствие— жара. В такую жару чувствуешь себя совершенно неспособным мыслить и тем более ''творить''. Впрочем, я и не намерен заставлять себя работать. Буду предаваться праздности без всякого стыда, ибо заслужил право полениться. Через несколько дней мы переезжаем в ''Боржом''.

В августе я обещал посетить одного брата в Таганроге, другого в Курской губернии, а сестру в Киевской. Удастся ли побывать в Севастополе, — об этом пока ещё ничего не могу сказать вам, добрейшая Юлия Петровна! Я очень желал бы для Вас, чтобы Вы пожили где-нибудь на Южном берегу.

''Батюшка'', о котором Вы пишете, есть действительно своеобразное и очень симпатичное явление. Вот бы Вам изобразить его в небольшом литературном очерке, присоединить к нему ещё несколько этюдов и эскизов и все это напечатать. Я продолжаю думать, что Вы обладаете настоящим литературным талантом. Что Вы об этом думаете?

''Адрес мой: Кавказ, Боржом, дача кн[ягини] Грузинской''.

До свидания, добрейшая Юлия Петровна! Матушке Вашей нижайший поклон; детям всяческие приветствия.
{{right|Ваш, П. Чайковский}}
О Петербургском больном известия самые грустные!!

|Translated text=
}}