New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-04-10
Calvocoressi's Study of
Russian Musical Nationalist
Musorgsky's Rebellion Against Tradition and
Search for Truth in Art Revealed in
Passages From Letters

with him. He would sit at the riano
and with elegant gestures plav nor
elons Of 'Trovatore' or sTraviata,.
around him the company exclaimed II
chorus; 'Charming' 'Deliciousl'"
IN marked contrast to Rolodin's de.
scription of the polished officer Of 1885
Is the portrait by the painter Repin
made in 1891, which shows Musorcslr
as he appeared few days before his
death, ravaged and wasted by alcohol.
olsheveied and in his dressing gown.
Letters to Stasson
Ihe composers zeal in his search for
artistlc truth is reflected in passages
from letters written to Stassof:
Tell me why, when listen IN
young artists, painters or SCULPTOR.
talking, l can follow their THOUGHTS.
understand their opinions, their aims.
ana rarely hear these people talking
technically save when it is absolutely
necessary. When. on the other hand. I
am with musicians ! seldom hear them
express a single living thought. One
would think they were all on school
benches. They only understand tech
nique' and technical terms. Is must
cal art so you7g, then, that it is .neces-
sary TO study it in this childish man
ner?" Gully 10. 1879
THE artistic representation of
Beauty alone in its material aspect is
sheer childishness, an elementary form
of art; the characteristic features Of
individuals and Of masses, the per
sistent exploration of this domain still
little known-there lies the duty of the
artist. To new lands. Fearless in
spite Of tempests, rocks ana shadows.
10 new shores. Crowds, like individ-
uals, always offer distinctive features,
hard to penetrate, not yet understood
Watch them carefully, learn to under
stand them under all the varying con-
dltlons by observation and deduction.
Study them deeply, cherish their hu-
mainly for it is a source of strength
not yet recognized. There lies your
duty; there is to be found the supreme
Joy Of life" October is, 1879
Instead Of making their fugues and
the conventional three obligatory acts
IN opera. why do not people open some
good books and talk about them with
clever men? For is it not the best
road to art for the modern man. and
the only justification Of his duty as
an artist? Life, especially where it is
made manifest; Truth, however bitter
It may be; Fearlessness, free speech.
To be in touch with life at close quar-
ters: that is my leaven; that is what
crave for and what hope will never
rail. This is now my position, and here
/ shall remain" August 7. 1857
When I recall certain artists re-
strained and prevented by such bar
rlers have no superior feelings, only
a dlsheartening companionship. All the
aspirations of these people accumulate
and are discharged one by one in tiny.
equal drops. The things which delight
them only bring grief and annoyance
to a true man. Examine yourself.
Have you claws, or only smooth
stumps? Are you a deer or q web
footed creature? Where are you? Out
side the barrier? LACKING !,
intelligence and will, these people be-
come entangled in the meshes of tradi-
ton; they confirm the law of inertia.
whilst they believe they are acting for
the general good. All this would be
quite devoid of interest, and to a Ger
tain extent antinathetic, if these artists
had not begun by Selling the staff of
new banner which they try to Aaunt
proudly at thu face of humanity. They
aim at the goal toward which their
greatest men have pressed, but their
coats of mail are soon pierced; they
easily become tired and cry for rest.
Where do they rest? On the bosom of
tradition AS our forefathers have !
done so will we do They have hidden,
well hidden, the glorious standard in a
secret corner, fastened up with seven
locks and seven doors. They rest, and
rest, and rest. Without any aim. and
without any desire, seeing nothing and
never wishing to see anything, they
take the trouble to do over and over
again what has already been done, what
nobody wants" October, 1879
Musorgsky's place in the Russian
school, his instrumental compositions,
songs and choral works, other operas,
are other topics discussed in the vol
rme, which includes list of Musorg-
sky's compositions and photography.
/ o-night's Opera Concert"