A Journey to Russian

Even though I have never been to Russia, since my youth age, I have been a little familiar with Russian values, culture, and music. There were several opportunities to learn more about Russia.

My friend's cousin studying Russian literature looked very intelligent. In his studying room, there were lots of classic books on Russian literature, philosophy and history which marked a new era in the world. Especially I was utterly obsessed with Leo Tolstoy. His novels were not only sort of romantic or historic fictions but also a monumental philosophy that let me think of the true meaning of human lives in the rapidly changing world. I could realize later, through his literary works, how he had fiercely struggled to find out the true Christian faith.

I also loved the novel "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak. I was fascinated with the poignant romance between Yuri and Lara in the age of Russian revolution and World War. I dreamed to be a simple poet who fell in love with a gorgeous woman.

My journey moved into Russian musicians including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Kissin, and Matsuev. When I was young, I watched a movie about a young Russian pianist's life and love (I forgot its title unfortunately). The main character had an amazing talent in playing piano, but he seemed to have mental illness. He was suffering from extreme solitude, and fell in love with a girl studying in the same music school. He didn't know how to express his ardent love toward her, and he became more frantically absorbed in playing piano. His enthusiasm toward romantic love and music strongly impressed me and was engraved upon my mind. Whenever I listened to Russian music, I used to go into ecstasy and feel healed from anxiety and deep sorrow.

I would like to introduce the third movement of Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 here. You may feel a mysterious hand caressing your face and wiping your tears.