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Mon, 12 Apr 1999 16:27:02 +0800 |
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Marche Slave was composed around 1876 ... it was commissioned by Nikolay
Rubinstein - Rubinstein wanted a work to be played at a Moscow concert in
the aid of victims of the Turks in the Balkans where Montenegro and Serbia
had declared war against Turkey, and Russian Pro-Slav feelings were running
high. (From Naxos 8.553248)
I think it was initially called the Serbo-Russian March ... and in fact I
have a Russian 'correspondent' whom still refers to it by this name.
Even Tchaikovsky was stirred by the Turkish massacres of Christians in the
Balkans (which subsequently led the Serbs and Montenegrans to declare war
on Turkey). Russian volunteers flocked to their sides, and all of Russia
was in high nationalistic spirit (as stated above). On the prospect of
Russia herself being drawn into the conflict, Tchaikovsky stated:
"It is frightening but also pleasing that our beloved country is
ready at last to give proof of her character."
(Recapping -)Tchaikovsky had essentially little political voicing, but
Rubinstein (Nikolay) was more politically inclined. Rubinstein asked
Tchaikovsky to write a new piece for a RMS concert in support of the
charity aiding the Balkan war victims and equipping Russian volunteers.
The work itself took only a few days to complete (apparently), and uses
Serbian folk tunes throughout, most notably at the final climax. At its
premiere on the 17th November, 1876, it recieved standing ovation. The
march had to be repeated - and again it received the same standing
reception.
(Using information from A.Holden 'Tchaikovsky', Bantam Press).
I can see why, perhaps, you are asking about this work - the bombing of
Yugoslavia etc. Slavic sentiments are running high it seems. If I had
my way, Serbs would be listening to this work instead of their popular
concerts (;P) in the center of Belgrade. Anyway, I hope this fits the
requirement of your request.
(From a Serb himself - albeit living in Australia ;P).
-Mark Knezevic
[log in to unmask]
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