Probably, there is no inhabitant in the capital of Russia who has never seen the monument to Tchaikovsky. Moscow is the largest cultural center, therefore, one way or another, many people here often attend concerts within the walls of the Moscow Conservatory, while others simply go along the way. But every time you pass by, it is impossible not to notice this unique sculpture dedicated to the work of the greatest Russian composer.
Moscow Conservatory and Tchaikovsky
At the same time, the question of why Tchaikovsky was captured at the walls of this educational institution can only arise for a person who is truly far from the world of art. There was nothing surprising in the fact that the institution was named after Pyotr Ilyich in 1940.
Outstanding author of several hundred works, including symphonies, operas and ballets, has received worldwide recognition. From the first days of the work of the Moscow Conservatory, he tried to pass on to each student a particle of his talent, diligently engaging in teaching within its walls from year to year. Besides,the composer himself said: "…Inspiration is such a guest who does not like to visit the lazy…".
The idea of creating a monument
Despite the fact that the process of creation was not easy, the monument to P. I. Tchaikovsky can be confidently considered a successful work, because the author managed to achieve the main thing - the image allows the viewer to feel the music, the birth of each sound. The creation has a monumental, grandiose appearance that deeply impresses anyone who sees it.
The history of the creation of a sculptural creation began in 1929. Then, in the house-museum of Klin near Moscow, director Zhegin N. T. asked an aspiring but very talented sculptor, Vera Mukhina, to create a bust of the great composer. Having coped with her work, Vera Ignatievna could not even imagine that in 16 years she would again work on the image of a musical master, but now she would have to realize a larger project - a monument to Tchaikovsky.
The first version of the future sculpture
By that time, Mukhina, being an honored master throughout the USSR and one of a small circle of female sculptors, already had her own ideas about the creation of the monument. Initially, she saw the image of a composer conducting while standing in front of invisible orchestra members. But it was not possible to make a monument to Tchaikovsky at the Moscow Conservatory in this way. This idea required a huge space for its implementation, and the modest courtyard on Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street did not fully correspond to what was planned. In addition, talentPyotr Ilyich was not limited to conducting activities alone.
Changes made
Radically changing direction, Vera Ignatievna proposed new sketches of the future sculpture, according to which the monument to Tchaikovsky was to stand out from the total number of sights with the originality of the composition. This version assumed the image of a seated classic, comfortably seated in an armchair in front of the console with an open music book. The artist intended to convey the image of the creator, gifted with inspiration in the process of creating his works. Seeing him, one gets the impression that Pyotr Ilyich is counting the rhythm with his left hand, and holding a pencil at the ready with his right hand in order to fix a creative impulse on paper at any moment.
However, this vision of the future monument caused a lot of controversy. The remarks made by Mukhina concerned, first of all, the static posture of Tchaikovsky. He seemed to be frozen in some unnatural tension. It was also decided to change the pedestal. It was enlarged and made of red-colored materials instead of the predominant gray colors. Red granite was considered the ideal stone for this purpose.
Description of the monument to the great composer
The monument to Tchaikovsky is made of bronze according to the idea of the sculptor. A rounded marble bench was placed around the monument, which hospitably accommodates students on warm days who have a rest during the “windows”, people who make appointments with friends.friend in this place. The fence of the monument to Tchaikovsky also deserves special attention. According to the author's idea, it is a bronze lattice, forged with elements of a stave. Symbolizing world fame and recognition, the stave on the fence contained several of the most famous fragments from the composer's masterpieces. These are excerpts from the opera "Eugene Onegin", and the main motive from the ballet "Swan Lake", and the solo melody from the Sixth Symphony and much more. Along the edges of the fence of the monument to Tchaikovsky, there were harps decorated with drapery.
Grand opening of the monument
In 1954, finally, the monument to Tchaikovsky was completed, and the sculpture was installed near the walls of the conservatory in the center of Moscow. It was not possible to open the monument to its creator. Vera Ignatievna Mukhina did not live to see this significant event, having died a year before it. But despite the fact that the main sculptor could not see the long-awaited result of her meticulous work, her students were able to bring the matter to its logical conclusion. Zavarzin A. A. and Savitsky D. B. made an effort to achieve the long-awaited construction of the composition. Thanks to them, to this day, Muscovites can observe the very monument to Tchaikovsky. The attraction, in general, looks large and rather unusual.
Student legends and interesting facts
The leadership of the capital is sensitive to the city's cultural heritage, which includes the "bronze" Pyotr Ilyich. Not so long ago, restoration activities were carried out on the commemorativesculptures and works on ennoblement of the adjoining territory. There was no limit to the surprise of specialists in the course of these works. They discovered the absence of a pencil in Tchaikovsky's right hand. Also, several bronze notes from the wrought-iron fence disappeared somewhere. The first thing that comes to mind is the flourishing of vandalism in Moscow. Although, on the other hand, it is absolutely unclear who needed these elements.
It turns out that everything is simple and without a share of drama. There is one belief among music students. According to him, every student of the conservatory who wants to successfully pass the upcoming exam session, win the competition or audition, must visit a memorial monument on the eve of the upcoming test. The musicians also claim that, looking at the sculpture from top to bottom, it is easy to notice the “farmata”. This is one of the signs of musical notation, meaning the stop of sound. It is likely that the missing parts were needed by students or tourists as good luck charms. Although the monument to Tchaikovsky helps to achieve success not only for musicians, but also for other cultural figures.
By the way, shortly after discovering the lack of details, the attractions returned all the necessary items.
How to get to the monument
Finding a sculpture of Tchaikovsky in Moscow is not difficult. The easiest way is from the Arbatskaya metro station. It is unlikely to get lost - every passer-by will tell you the right way to the Moscow Conservatory. Seeing from afar crowdedstudents, it will immediately become clear that the direction is chosen correctly and the goal is practically achieved. Visiting the monument is free, the passage to it is always open. You can get positive emotions and get to know the author of great music that comes from everywhere, both in winter and in summer.
