The power of folk costume
People tend to wear at least on a holiday what their ancestors wore . They say that it unites, helps, protects . Listen to the nature of things program on the Latvian radio 4 .
People tend to wear at least on a holiday what their ancestors wore . They say that it unites, helps, protects . Listen to the nature of things program on the Latvian radio 4 .
The editors of the Polka project discuss one of the main ethical conflicts in Russian literature (and life in general) How writers of the 19th century learned to recognize the feelings of a woman and figured out which is stronger - duty or love, attraction or morality.
Gogol propagandizes al dente pasta and makes Sobakevich eat a side of lamb . Tolstoy sorts things out with the world with the help of vegetarianism . Sorokin serves a salad from women's gloves to the table .
The hydrogen engine was invented as early as the beginning of the 19th century, but its use on an industrial scale never took off. In 1936, the largest airship in the world, the Hindenburg, exploded, which ran on hydrogen, and then the hydrogen bomb was invented - more powerful than nuclear - and the world decided to wait with hydrogen.
"Shelf" opens a new season of podcasts - and changes the rules a bit . Elizaveta Podkolzina and Lev Oborin are talking to philologist Maria Nesterenko, who has just published her book Roses Without Thorns . Who were the first Russian writers and poetesses, what did they write about and how did they find their way in literature?
The radio show "Orpheus" featured a program by author Evgenia about ballet composers of the 19th century, specifically Ludwig Minkus. Minkus, like Adolphe Adam, was criticized for his music being lightweight or too frivolous, though some recognized the grace and appeal of his melodies. Minkus was born in Vienna in 1826 and grew up surrounded by music, as his father was a restaurateur with a small orchestra that played popular tunes. Minkus showed prodigious talent from an early age, playing the violin and composing music. At age 12, he performed for the Zephirine Society of Friends of Music, and by his teenage years, he was already creating music for ballets.
The episode is about ballet composers of the 19th century and their music. The host discusses how ballet music is easy to dance to and is often called exemplary or standard. The episode mentions famous ballet composers like Adolphe Adam, Ludwig Minkus, and Cesare Pugni and their prolific works that span over 50 ballets. The host also mentions how ballet music was once criticized for being too simplistic and lightweight but was later appreciated for its melodic, rhythmic, and colorful qualities. The episode ends by stating that ballet music is perfect for dancing and is a great form of art.
The TV series "Northern and Southern" is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel of the same name, depicting a love story set during the Industrial Revolution. The story follows a kind and independent woman from the southern countryside who falls in love with a cold and restrained man who is a textile magnate in the north. The romanticism and hardships of the Industrial Revolution in Europe are highlighted in this tale of contrasting characters, emphasizing the strong emotions and aesthetics of romanticism. The rise of romanticism in the 18th century was influenced by societal changes brought about by reforms, growing desire for freedom and democracy, and rejection of the overly rationalistic Enlightenment era. The romantic period saw a transition from neoclassicism to romanticism in literature and philosophy, with notable figures like Goethe in literature and Beethoven in music. The emotional and imaginative expressions of romanticism are evident in the works of these artists. Romanticism's influence also extended to visual arts, transitioning French art from neoclassicism to romanticism in the tumultuous societal climate of 19th century France. The distinctions between romanticism and neoclassicism are not always absolute, as artists may draw influences from both styles. Artists like Delacroix in France and Goya in Spain are representative of the romantic period in their respective countries, embodying the emotional and free-spirited essence of romanticism in their works.
This podcast episode tells the story of the Taiping Rebellion, a peasant uprising against the Qing Dynasty that took place in the mid-19th century. The rebellion was sparked by the corruption of the Qing government and the influx of foreign powers, particularly Britain, into China. The rebellion was led by Hong Xiuquan, who founded a religious movement called the God Worshipers, which blended elements of Christianity and Confucianism and promoted equality and the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. The rebellion quickly gained momentum, and Hong Xiuquan declared himself the Heavenly King. The Taiping rebels captured several cities, including Nanjing, and declared it the capital of their kingdom. The rebellion lasted for over a decade and resulted in the deaths of millions of people, but ultimately failed in its goal to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.
Today we visited the Château de Gaillon, a rare Renaissance-style castle in Normandy. It is the first castle in France to adopt this style and has undergone various renovations over time. The castle opened to the public in 2011 and now includes a greenhouse garden, cultural events, and even offers classes for visitors to learn new skills. The castle has played many roles over the years, including a prison for criminals in the 19th century. It is now a museum and even has a regional music school. The castle has a unique design with decorative reliefs and sculptures on its walls, and from its platform, visitors can admire the surrounding landscape. In addition, there is an eight-hectare organic vegetable garden run by a local couple, providing produce for nearby communities. It is a great place to visit and explore the intersection of history, culture, and nature.