Letter 599 - Revision history

Tony: "Furthrmore" to "Furthermore" / Omitted "to", "His" to "He" for clarity of meaning

2024-04-09T10:57:17Z

"Furthrmore" to "Furthermore" / Omitted "to", "His" to "He" for clarity of meaning

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 9 April 2024
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	\|Translated text={{right\|''[[Kiev]]''<br/>''9th September 1877''}}		\|Translated text={{right\|''[[Kiev]]''<br/>''9th September 1877''}}
	{{centre\|Dear [[Modya]]!}}		{{centre\|Dear [[Modya]]!}}
	Yesterday morning I arrived here with [[Alyosha]] and immediately received your loveliest letter. Your depiction of the gentleman who boils with rage in public places at any pretext is artistically written, and once again confirms my opinion that you are blessed with a positive literary talent that you wrongly neglect. If you are too lazy to write long stories or novels full of entanglements and disentanglements you can, then at least write short essays or sketches like the one you wrote about that man. It would be fresh and original, and would earn you money. Think how pleasant your life would be if you could divide it between teaching and literature; how full and fruitful it would become! I advise you to think seriously about it while you are still young and ''le pli du dilettantisme'' <ref name="note1"/> has not taken hold. I know that had I been in your place I would not have left such abilities dormant. Since you left I've read more of ''Karenina''. How can you be so excited about this revoltingly vulgar nonsense masquerading as profound psychological analysis? Yes, damn this psychological analysis, which leaves an impression of emptiness and insignificance, just as if one were present at conversation between ''Alexandrine Dolgorouky'' <ref name="note2"/> with ''[[Nikolay Kondratyev\|Nicolas Kondratyev]]'' about all sorts of Kittys, Alinas and Lillys. ~~Furthrmore~~ your episode of waiting at the station is a thousand times more artistic than all those aristocratic niceties...		Yesterday morning I arrived here with [[Alyosha]] and immediately received your loveliest letter. Your depiction of the gentleman who boils with rage in public places at any pretext is artistically written, and once again confirms my opinion that you are blessed with a positive literary talent that you wrongly neglect. If you are too lazy to write long stories or novels full of entanglements and disentanglements you can then at least write short essays or sketches like the one you wrote about that man. It would be fresh and original, and would earn you money. Think how pleasant your life would be if you could divide it between teaching and literature; how full and fruitful it would become! I advise you to think seriously about it while you are still young and ''le pli du dilettantisme'' <ref name="note1"/> has not taken hold. I know that had I been in your place I would not have left such abilities dormant. Since you left, I've read more of ''Karenina''. How can you be so excited about this revoltingly vulgar nonsense masquerading as profound psychological analysis? Yes, damn this psychological analysis, which leaves an impression of emptiness and insignificance, just as if one were present at conversation between ''Alexandrine Dolgorouky'' <ref name="note2"/> with ''[[Nikolay Kondratyev\|Nicolas Kondratyev]]'' about all sorts of Kittys, Alinas and Lillys. Furthermore, your episode of waiting at the station is a thousand times more artistic than all those aristocratic niceties...

	But enough about literature.		But enough about literature.
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	After you left [[Kamenka]] I felt very sad, and that sadness increased with the passing of the days. These last few days I have even suffered from diarrhoea, and a characteristic ''sinister'' feeling to which nervous persons who have strong and unpleasant sensations are prone. There were, however, also very pleasant episodes.		After you left [[Kamenka]] I felt very sad, and that sadness increased with the passing of the days. These last few days I have even suffered from diarrhoea, and a characteristic ''sinister'' feeling to which nervous persons who have strong and unpleasant sensations are prone. There were, however, also very pleasant episodes.

	On Sunday we went hunting to ''Zrubanets'' <ref name="note3"/> . It's a pity that you never had an experience of hunting ''partridge''. It is full of unexpected things and very special surprises. It was a great fun, very interesting as well as awfully exhausting, since one had all the time run through the bushes and from one hill to another. At two o'clock we had ''dumplings'' at ''Nikolay'''s <ref name="note4"/> that was attended by everyone, including [[Alyosha]]. As regards my source of delight, about whom I cannot even think without being sexually aroused and whose ''boots I would happily to clean all my life long'', whose chamber pots I would like take out and I generally ready to lower myself anyhow, provided that I could be allowed, even ''if only occasionally to kiss his hands and feet'', was present at the hunt, and she killed quail and shot a fox <ref name="note5"/> . Before this hunt I went with [[Lev Davydov\|Lev]] for a whole day to [[Verbovka]] and spent six hours at the lake. The ducks were flying en masse, but not one of them was deprived of its life.		On Sunday we went hunting to ''Zrubanets'' <ref name="note3"/> . It's a pity that you never had an experience of hunting ''partridge''. It is full of unexpected things and very special surprises. It was great fun, very interesting as well as awfully exhausting, since one had all the time to run through the bushes and from one hill to another. At two o'clock we had ''dumplings'' at ''Nikolay'''s <ref name="note4"/> that was attended by everyone, including [[Alyosha]]. As regards my source of delight, about whom I cannot even think without being sexually aroused and whose ''boots I would happily clean all my life long'', whose chamber pots I would like to take out and I generally ready to lower myself anyhow, provided that I could be allowed, even ''if only occasionally to kiss his hands and feet'', was present at the hunt, and she killed quail and shot a fox <ref name="note5"/> . Before this hunt I went with [[Lev Davydov\|Lev]] for a whole day to [[Verbovka]] and spent six hours at the lake. The ducks were flying en masse, but not one of them was deprived of its life.

	[[Tanya]]'s name-day was celebrated with pomp. In the morning there were presents; I wrote some verses and presented her with 25 rubles. At 12 o'clock there was a short service and we all drank hot chocolate. In the evening there were lots of guests, dancing, and a magnificent supper. Oh, and I forgot to tell you that the day before I dined at the ''Plesskys'' and before that I'd paid them a visit.		[[Tanya]]'s name-day was celebrated with pomp. In the morning there were presents; I wrote some verses and presented her with 25 rubles. At 12 o'clock there was a short service and we all drank hot chocolate. In the evening there were lots of guests, dancing and a magnificent supper. Oh, and I forgot to tell you that the day before I dined at the ''Plesskys'' and before that I'd paid them a visit.

	At 7 o'clock on Wednesday I left. Naturally I was seen of by everybody and ''Vyshnitsky'' <ref name="note6"/> was so full of kind feelings that accompanied me to the ''Bobrinsky Station, in order that it should be more pleasant'', as he put it. We arrived in [[Kiev]] at one instead of nine o'clock, and had a bad night as there were so many people. After dinner I dispatched [[Alyosha]] to the Lavra <ref name="note7"/> and went for a walk by myself. In the evening I was at the opera. "''Traviata''" was performed, with the principal part very well sung by a certain ''[[Pavlovskaya]]''. Nothing else was any good. After a good night's sleep, this morning [[Alyosha]] and I went to St. Sofya's Cathedral, to St. Michael's, the Lavra, the Grave of Askold and then, finally, to the delightful splendid ''Vydubetsky'' Monastery. [[Alyosha]] once again became extremely sweet, tender and affectionate. ~~His~~ has a wonderful heart and a remarkably delicate disposition.		At 7 o'clock on Wednesday I left. Naturally I was seen off by everybody and ''Vyshnitsky'' <ref name="note6"/> was so full of kind feelings that he accompanied me to the ''Bobrinsky Station, in order that it should be more pleasant'', as he put it. We arrived in [[Kiev]] at one instead of nine o'clock, and had a bad night as there were so many people. After dinner I dispatched [[Alyosha]] to the Lavra <ref name="note7"/> and went for a walk by myself. In the evening I was at the opera. "''Traviata''" was performed, with the principal part very well sung by a certain ''[[Pavlovskaya]]''. Nothing else was any good. After a good night's sleep, this morning [[Alyosha]] and I went to St. Sofya's Cathedral, to St. Michael's, the Lavra, the Grave of Askold and then, finally, to the delightful splendid ''Vydubetsky'' Monastery. [[Alyosha]] once again became extremely sweet, tender and affectionate. He has a wonderful heart and a remarkably delicate disposition.

	Today I received a letter from my spouse. She writes that she cannot wait for me to come. I depart tomorrow morning <ref name="note8"/> .		Today I received a letter from my spouse. She writes that she cannot wait for me to come. I depart tomorrow morning <ref name="note8"/> .
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	<references>		<references>
	<ref name="note1">'Le pli du dilettantisme' (French) {{=}} "the fold of dilettantism".</ref>		<ref name="note1">'Le pli du dilettantisme' (French) {{=}} "the fold of dilettantism".</ref>
	<ref name="note2">Alexandrine ~~Doulgoruky~~ was a society friend.</ref>		<ref name="note2">Alexandrine Dolgorouky was a society friend.</ref>
	<ref name="note3">A village near [[Kamenka]].</ref>		<ref name="note3">A village near [[Kamenka]].</ref>
	<ref name="note4">Nikolay Davydov, older brother of Tchaikovsky's brother-in-law [[Lev Davydov]].</ref>		<ref name="note4">Nikolay Davydov, older brother of Tchaikovsky's brother-in-law [[Lev Davydov]].</ref>
	<ref name="note5">Tchaikovsky is referring to Yevstafy Krivenkо, a servant boy at [[Kamenka]].</ref>		<ref name="note5">Tchaikovsky is referring to Yevstafy Krivenkо, a servant boy at [[Kamenka]].</ref>
	<ref name="note6">\|An acquaintance at [[Kamenka]].</ref>		<ref name="note6">An acquaintance at [[Kamenka]].</ref>
	<ref name="note7">The [[wikipedia:Kiev Pechersk Lavra\|Kiev Pechersk Lavra]], also known as the "Monastery of the Caves".</ref>		<ref name="note7">The [[wikipedia:Kiev Pechersk Lavra\|Kiev Pechersk Lavra]], also known as the "Monastery of the Caves".</ref>
	<ref name="note8">After returning to [[Moscow]] the composer lived with his wife [[Antonina]] only from 12/24 September to 24 September/6 October only, before leaving her for good.</ref>		<ref name="note8">After returning to [[Moscow]], the composer lived with his wife [[Antonina]] only from 12/24 September to 24 September/6 October only, before leaving her for good.</ref>
	<ref name="note9">"Lyonya" was a pet name for Tchaikovsky's servant [[Aleksey Sofronov\|Aleksey ("Alyosha") Sofronov]].</ref>		<ref name="note9">"Lyonya" was a pet name for Tchaikovsky's servant [[Aleksey Sofronov\|Aleksey ("Alyosha") Sofronov]].</ref>
	</references>		</references>
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Letter 0599}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Letter 0599}}

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2022-07-12T12:19:53Z

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Brett at 11:33, 9 April 2020

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{{letterhead
|Date=9/21 September 1877
|To=[[Modest Tchaikovsky]]
|Place=[[Kiev]]
|Language=Russian
|Autograph=[[Klin]] (Russia): {{RUS-KLč}} (a{{sup|3}}, No. 1477)
|Publication={{bib|1901/24|Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского ; том 2}} (1901), p. 28–29 (abridged) {{bib|1940/210|П. И. Чайковский. Письма к родным ; том 1}} (1940), p. 294–295 {{bib|1955/37|П. И. Чайковский. Письма к близким}} (1955), p. 124–125 (abridged) {{bib|1961/38|П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений ; том VI}} (1961), p. 173–174 (abridged) {{bib|1981/81|Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Letters to his family. An autobiography}} (1981), p. 122–123 (English translation; abridged) {{bibx|1998/70|Tchaikovsky and his World}} (1998), p. 83–85 (English translation)
}}
==Text and Translation==
{{Lettertext
|Language=Russian
|Translator=Alexander Poznansky
|Original text={{right|''Киев'' ''9 сентября 1877 г[ода]''}}
{{centre|Милый Модя!}}
Вчера утром мы приехали сюда с Алёшей и тотчас же получили милейшее письмо твоё. Изображение господина, который кипятится в общественных местах по всякому поводу, написано художественно и ещё раз подтверждает меня в том мнении, что ты одарён положительным литературным талантом, коим напрасно пренебрегаешь. Если тебе лень писать длинные повести или романы с завязками и развязками, то ты должен бы смастерит целый ряд очерков, вроде того, который ты написал о выше реченном господине. Это было бы свежо, оригинально и принесло бы тебе деньги. Подумай, до чего твоя жизнь будет мила, если ты будешь её делить между педагогическими обязанностями и литературой, как она будет полна и плодотворна! Советую тебе серьёзно об этом подумать, пока ты молод и пока ''le pli du dillettantisme'' ещё не сложился. Я знаю, что, будь я на твоём месте, я бы не оставил втуне своих способностей. После твоего отъезда я ещё кое-что прочёл из «''Карениной''». Как тебе не стыдно восхищаться этой возмутительно пошлой дребеденью, прикрытою претензией на глубокость психического анализа. Да черт его побери, этот психический анализ, когда в результате остаётся впечатление пустоты и ничтожества, точно будто присутствовал при разговоре ''Alexandrine Dolgorouky'' с ''Nicolas Kondratie'вым'' о разных Китти, Алинах и Лили! Да твой эпизод из станционного ожидания в тысячу раз художественнее, серьёзнее и интереснее, чем все эти барские тонкости...

Но довольно о литературе.

После твоего отъезда из Каменки, мне было очень грустно, и эта грусть с каждым днём увеличивалась. В последние дни я даже страдал ''поносом'' от особого рода ощущения ''жуткости'', свойственной нервным людям в виду сильных и неприятных ощущений. Впрочем, были и очень приятные эпизоды.

В Воскресенье мы ездили на охоту в ''Зрубанец''. Жалко что ты не испытал охоты на ''куропаток''. Она полна совершенно особенных неожиданностей и сюрпризов. Было очень весело, очень интересно, но и ужасно утомительно, так как приходилось все время бегать в кустах с горы на гору. В 2 часа у ''Николая'' были ''пельмени'', на которых присутствовали все, не исключая и Алёши. Что касается моей прелести, о которой я не могу подумать без того, чтоб хуй не делал на караул и у которой ''я счёл бы себя счастливым целую жизнь чистить сапоги'', выносить горшки и вообще всячески унижаться, ''лишь бы хоть изредка иметь право целовать ручки и ножки'', то она присутствовала на охоте и убила перепёлку, а также стреляла по лисе. Перед этой охотой я ездил с Левой на целый день в Вербовку и просидел часов 6 на пруде. Утки летали в массе, но ни одна не была лишена жизни.

Танины именины прошли с торжеством. Утром было поднесенье подарков; я поднёс стихи и 25 р[ублей]. В 12 часов был молебен и питие шоколада. Вечером множество гостей, танцы и великолепный ужин. Да, забыл тебе сказать, что накануне я обедал у ''Плесских'', а перед этим был у них с визитом.

В среду в 7 часов я уехал. Разумеется, меня провожали, а ''Вишницкий'' до того расчувствовался, что проводил меня до ''Бобринской, чтоб мне было веселее'', как он выразился. В Киев приехали вместо 9 часов в 1 пополудни. Ночь провели плохо, — народу было много. Пообедав, я отправил Алёшу в Лавру, а сам пошёл гулять. Вечером был в опере; давали «''Травиату''», в коей главную роль пела некто ''Павловская'' очень хорошо. Все остальное плохо. Сегодня, отлично выспавшись, отправился с Алёшей в Софийский собор, к Михайлу, в Лавру, в Аскольдову могилу и, наконец, в прелестный, восхитительный ''Выдубецкий'' монастырь. Алёша стал опять ужасно мил, нежен, ласков. У него чудное сердце и необычайно ''тонкая'' натура.

Сегодня получил письмо от супружницы. Пишет, что ждёт не дождётся. Выезжаю завтра утром.

Целую тебя, милый Модя. Я в восторге, что все у тебя идёт хорошо, а главное, что любовь Коли к тебе так прочна и крепка. Прощай, мой голубчик. Покажи Коле следующую строчку: ''Я ужасно люблю Колю и рад, что он любит Модю''.
{{right|Твой П. Чайковский}}
Лёня велел кланяться, передать ''"нижающее почтение и целую ихние ручки"''

|Translated text={{right|''[[Kiev]]'' ''9th September 1877''}}
{{centre|Dear [[Modya]]!}}
Yesterday morning I arrived here with [[Alyosha]] and immediately received your loveliest letter. Your depiction of the gentleman who boils with rage in public places at any pretext is artistically written, and once again confirms my opinion that you are blessed with a positive literary talent that you wrongly neglect. If you are too lazy to write long stories or novels full of entanglements and disentanglements you can, then at least write short essays or sketches like the one you wrote about that man. It would be fresh and original, and would earn you money. Think how pleasant your life would be if you could divide it between teaching and literature; how full and fruitful it would become! I advise you to think seriously about it while you are still young and ''le pli du dilettantisme'' <ref name="note1"/> has not taken hold. I know that had I been in your place I would not have left such abilities dormant. Since you left I've read more of ''Karenina''. How can you be so excited about this revoltingly vulgar nonsense masquerading as profound psychological analysis? Yes, damn this psychological analysis, which leaves an impression of emptiness and insignificance, just as if one were present at conversation between ''Alexandrine Dolgorouky'' <ref name="note2"/> with ''[[Nikolay Kondratyev|Nicolas Kondratyev]]'' about all sorts of Kittys, Alinas and Lillys. Furthrmore your episode of waiting at the station is a thousand times more artistic than all those aristocratic niceties...

But enough about literature.

After you left [[Kamenka]] I felt very sad, and that sadness increased with the passing of the days. These last few days I have even suffered from diarrhoea, and a characteristic ''sinister'' feeling to which nervous persons who have strong and unpleasant sensations are prone. There were, however, also very pleasant episodes.

On Sunday we went hunting to ''Zrubanets'' <ref name="note3"/> . It's a pity that you never had an experience of hunting ''partridge''. It is full of unexpected things and very special surprises. It was a great fun, very interesting as well as awfully exhausting, since one had all the time run through the bushes and from one hill to another. At two o'clock we had ''dumplings'' at ''Nikolay'''s <ref name="note4"/> that was attended by everyone, including [[Alyosha]]. As regards my source of delight, about whom I cannot even think without being sexually aroused and whose ''boots I would happily to clean all my life long'', whose chamber pots I would like take out and I generally ready to lower myself anyhow, provided that I could be allowed, even ''if only occasionally to kiss his hands and feet'', was present at the hunt, and she killed quail and shot a fox <ref name="note5"/> . Before this hunt I went with [[Lev Davydov|Lev]] for a whole day to [[Verbovka]] and spent six hours at the lake. The ducks were flying en masse, but not one of them was deprived of its life.

[[Tanya]]'s name-day was celebrated with pomp. In the morning there were presents; I wrote some verses and presented her with 25 rubles. At 12 o'clock there was a short service and we all drank hot chocolate. In the evening there were lots of guests, dancing, and a magnificent supper. Oh, and I forgot to tell you that the day before I dined at the ''Plesskys'' and before that I'd paid them a visit.

At 7 o'clock on Wednesday I left. Naturally I was seen of by everybody and ''Vyshnitsky'' <ref name="note6"/> was so full of kind feelings that accompanied me to the ''Bobrinsky Station, in order that it should be more pleasant'', as he put it. We arrived in [[Kiev]] at one instead of nine o'clock, and had a bad night as there were so many people. After dinner I dispatched [[Alyosha]] to the Lavra <ref name="note7"/> and went for a walk by myself. In the evening I was at the opera. "''Traviata''" was performed, with the principal part very well sung by a certain ''[[Pavlovskaya]]''. Nothing else was any good. After a good night's sleep, this morning [[Alyosha]] and I went to St. Sofya's Cathedral, to St. Michael's, the Lavra, the Grave of Askold and then, finally, to the delightful splendid ''Vydubetsky'' Monastery. [[Alyosha]] once again became extremely sweet, tender and affectionate. His has a wonderful heart and a remarkably delicate disposition.

Today I received a letter from my spouse. She writes that she cannot wait for me to come. I depart tomorrow morning <ref name="note8"/> .

I kiss you, dear [[Modya]]. I am delighted that everything goes well with you, and, most important, that [[Nikolay Konradi|Kolya]]'s love for you is so strong and firm. Goodbye, my golubchik. Show the following line to [[Nikolay Konradi|Kolya]]: ''I am awfully fond of [[Nikolay Konradi|Kolya]] and I am happy that he loves [[Modya]]''.

{{right|Yours, P. Tchaikovsky}}
[[Aleksey Sofronov|Lyonya]] <ref name="note9"/> bows down to you, and conveys his "''most humble respect and kisses your hands''."
}}

==Notes and References==
<references>
<ref name="note1">'Le pli du dilettantisme' (French) {{=}} "the fold of dilettantism".</ref>
<ref name="note2">Alexandrine Doulgoruky was a society friend.</ref>
<ref name="note3">A village near [[Kamenka]].</ref>
<ref name="note4">Nikolay Davydov, older brother of Tchaikovsky's brother-in-law [[Lev Davydov]].</ref>
<ref name="note5">Tchaikovsky is referring to Yevstafy Krivenkо, a servant boy at [[Kamenka]].</ref>
<ref name="note6">|An acquaintance at [[Kamenka]].</ref>
<ref name="note7">The [[wikipedia:Kiev Pechersk Lavra|Kiev Pechersk Lavra]], also known as the "Monastery of the Caves".</ref>
<ref name="note8">After returning to [[Moscow]] the composer lived with his wife [[Antonina]] only from 12/24 September to 24 September/6 October only, before leaving her for good.</ref>
<ref name="note9">"Lyonya" was a pet name for Tchaikovsky's servant [[Aleksey Sofronov|Aleksey ("Alyosha") Sofronov]].</ref>
</references>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Letter 0599}}