The Magical Chorus: A History of Russian Culture from Tolstoy to Solzhenitsyn
by: Solomon Volkov
Published by: Vintage Books, A division of Random House
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Reviewed by Sharron Stockhausen, MMA
One doesn’t typically think of politics and art in the same vein, yet after reading Solomon Volkov’s The Magical Chorus, it becomes increasingly clear that one should.
Volkov shares stories of Russia’s premier artists (composers, performers, and writers) and their struggles against the politics of their time. Spanning the end of the nineteenth century through the twentieth century, The Magical Chorus opens up a world of insider information regarding Russian political leaders versus Russian cultural icons.
If you were quizzed on naming Russian artist standouts, surely Tolstoy, Gorky, and Chekhov would head the list. Volkov includes them all. And he challenges the reader to wonder if history will ever repeat itself. Will a future Khrushchev interact with a future Solzhenitsyn regarding whether or not to publish a work? Will a future Stalin look to a future Gorky for guidance?
Volkov’s use of first-hand stories makes the reader want to keep learning more. The book is categorized as history, but could potentially nestle itself into the memoir shelves as well. Add Volkov’s sharing of his thoughts, and you find yourself turning pages to see where Volkov takes you next.
When Volkov writes, “Much has been written about Alfred Nobel and his family, but the Russian connection is not often remembered,” you know you’ve got to find out why it was politically important a Russian writer receive the first Nobel Prize, among other things related to the coveted prize.
The common thread throughout the book is the effort of politicians to hold down the culture brought forth by the Russian creatives. Not all of the stories are equally fascinating, to be sure. But that can be said of any book. Yet, the stories keep you interested and wanting to read on.
Make yourself a nice cup of tea, listen to some classical music, and treat yourself to an afternoon with The Magical Chorus. You’ll be the better for it.
Armchair Interviews agrees.
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