Rockin’ out with Russians – 12/09
After studying Russian for two years, you should have started getting to know the culture. A huge part of it is their popular music. By the time I arrived here, I’d picked up on the works of a few bards and had had my fair share of pop songs stuck in my head (some still haven’t left). For this I’m quite grateful, since, just as is the case for youth in America, talking music is an early bonding method. Breaking out my mp3 player to show what I know and compare tastes with someone I’m hanging out with for the first or second time is practically a ritual for me now. In all these experiences I’ve learned what reactions to expect from people. “You actually like Dima Bilan???”, “I think he’s catchy, ok….”, “You know Okydzhava, wow…” and so on and so forth. Once, when very hesitantly admitting that I actually-kind-of-sort-of enjoy listening to MakSim, although, I know, I know, she’s really cheesy….my friend Alina (who is the last person you’d expect to come to my defense here) interrupts, saying “Don’t be ashamed. MakSim sings sincerely about love. I think she’s fabulous.” I admit I’m listening to her as I write this. So just talking with people about music is one thing you should be prepared to do. Be open to recommendations. There’s no better way to flatter your new Russian acquaintances than to give their music taste a chance. And if you do, they may be more willing to take some suggestions from you. I told my peer tutor to bring her flash drive once when we met and I transferred a playlist of songs I’d picked out for her onto it. I’d gotten an idea of her taste after the first time I went over to her house. We sat in her room where she has a keyboard. I asked her if she played. Before too long we were sitting at it and singing together. We each had something to offer to the endeavor. She–musical talent and I–perfect pronunciation of the Beatles’ lyrics. But what I lack in vocal stylings, I make up for in my great appreciation for music. When I arrived, I was worried there would be a lack of concerts to go to in Vladimir. And while there’s no doubt the options are far more vast in Moscow and Petersburg, I’ve still managed to find some gems here. We have a classical music concert hall where I saw a youth choir. The community center I go to every weekend invited some chamber musicians to play once. And most recently I went with friends to see a band from Vladimir play at our most popular night club. Another plus is all these events were super cheap, but still had all the great qualities that draw one to live performances. While I’ve gotten quite into a lot of Russian music, from bards to folk songs, I still often miss my very American favorite–Jazz. I found out a trio from New York was coming to play at the Philharmonic Hall, and decided I just had to go. Unfortunately, I didn’t find out about the concert enough in advance and when I went to get tickets, alas, they were sold out. When sharing with one of my teachers my disappointment, she read my mind when she remarked that, on the one hand, it’s a shame that I couldn’t get a ticket, but on the other hand, how wonderful that Vladimirtsi love jazz enough, that the concert was sold out! I made it a point to get to the next concert of an American Jazz vocalist. She turned out to be a really warm, energetic performer and sitting there surrounded by Russians who clearly felt that warmth and the energy of this music that I love made it one of the most magical nights I’ve had here.
Suzanne Reed
William & Mary College, Vladimir, 2009
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