Culture

The culture of Moscow is a fusion that has been formed from the cultures of the various nationalities and is a consequence of progress of several distinct periods.

As the Russians make up the majority of the population in the country, their contribution to the culture of Russian language and its nationality is immense.

The role of politics of the Soviet Union has been controversial in the spread of culture. There was a politically motivated desire for a Soviet culture that was expressed as Socialist Realism. At the same time, there was lot of initiative taken to preserve national cultures and to provide impetus to them. Hence, there were national writers and folk cultures that were also supported.

A. Music

Russia is a country that has lot of diversity in its culture. It boasts of several ethnic groups that have their own variety of folk music. During the period of influence of Soviets, music was strictly examined and restricted within specific boundaries of substance and modernization. It was only after the fall of the USSR, that rock and pop music became immensely popular with the residents of the state.

There is a long history of classical music in the country. It was in 1804 - 1857, when Russian composer Mikhail Glinka added spiritual and folk elements to his classical compositions. Ruslan and Lyudmila are operas that are based on Italian traditions.

Lidiya Ruslanova was one of the star performers who presented several operas for Soviet soldiers during the Great Patriotic War. Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Balakirev, Borodin and César Cui were some of the composers who were greatly influenced by Russian folk music and tales. The Russian Music Society was also founded in 1859, pioneered by composers Anton and Nikolay Rubinstein. Some of the most notable compositions were the operas The Snow Maiden, Prince Igor and Scheherazade.

Other Russian composers of note include Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky. Tchaikovsky is the most known composer outside Russia, who is renowned for his ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

In the 19th century, Count Uvarov brought about a revival of nationalistic culture and commenced the first professional orchestra with traditional instruments. Vassily Andreyev, used the balalaika, a traditional instrument in an orchestra for the first time during this revival. Mitrofan Pyatnitsky founded Pyatnitsky Choir in the 20th century, which used rural peasant singers and traditional sounds.

During the Soviet Era, there was an emergence of romantic songs. Fyodor Shalyapin, was the most popular singer who sang romantic songs in various styles like Gypsy, Russian, Caucasian and Italian. Alexander Vertinsky, Konstantin Sokolsky, Pyotr Leshchenko, did both, composed music and wrote the lyrics.

In spite of oppression from the government, the Soviet Era created many outstanding musicians. Some émigrés like pianist Vladimir Horowitz remained very popular abroad and was able to perform in his native state of Moscow, only as late as 1986.

Vyacheslav Shchurov, in the 1960s, was responsible for organizing concerts that featured folk singers from across Russia. Hence, he is responsible for inspiring a surge of singing ethnomusicologists. Bards were a group of musicians who emerged during this time. They, like Vladimir Vysotsky, were responsible for leading a popular return to traditional music.

It was after the soviet era that the Russian rock emerged. Pojuschie Gitary, a rock band created a style called VIA and was responsible in later releasing the first Russian rock opera, Orpheus and Eurydice. Tcvety, Sinyaya Ptica and Golubiye Gitary are some of the other rock bands of the period.

B. Language

Russian is the official language of the state. It is written in Cyrillic script and hence, is a difficult language for the Westerners to read. However, tourists and visitors to the state are advised to spend a little time learning the language, as it is easier to get through the stay. Pectopah can be transliterated into Restoran if the script is known, making it much easier to comprehend. It is quite akin to other Slavic languages like Ukranian. English is not a commonly used language and its usage is restricted to business and trade.

C. Religious Practices

Religion plays a major role in the public and devout life of Russia. Most believers belong to the Orthodox Christian Church. It was under Prince Vladimir of Kiev in 988, that Russia adopted Christianity. The ceremony was based on Byzantine rites. This laid the foundations for the rise of the Russian Orthodox Church.

However, the Land Decree of October 26, 1917, divested the Church of the majority of its lands. In 1918, the government also separated the church from the state and the school. Thus, the church lost its power of legal entity and also the right to possess property. Many monasteries and churches were also vandalized during this period.

It was only in the late 1980's, that attempts were made to bring about change in the relationship between the state and the Church in the hope of revival. In 1988, the millennium of Christianity in Russia was celebrated on a large scale with pomp and splendor. In the 1990's, several laws were passed to uphold the freedom of religion.

D. Major Events

Prodexpo is a major event of tourist interest that takes place in February every year. It is the largest annual food and drink exhibition in Russia and is held in the Expocenter. This attracts lot of tourists and visitors who get to enjoy the cuisine of the various regions of Russia in this exhibition.

May Day is an important day in Russia that is celebrated with lot of fervor and pomp. It is celebrated with colorful parades in the Red Square. This is celebrated in all parts of the world on the 1st of May as Labor Day.

Victory Day is a celebration to commemorate the end of World War II. It is held on the 9th of May, with parades at various war memorials through out the country. The traditional pomp and splendor of the marching guards are a big tourist attraction.

White Nights Festival is a music, theater and street event that is accompanied with fireworks. This is celebrated in late Jun-mid-Jul, throughout the city. Festival of Symphonies and Serenades is yet another musical, open-air event. This is held in the month of July around Moscow Park. Both these musical events are very popular with the tourist as they are exposed to the culture of the state.

Moscow International Outdoor Jazz Festival that is held in the month of August in the Hermitage Garden is also a star attraction for music lovers the world over.

Russian Open, golf tournament held in August at the Le Meridian Moscow Country Club attracts golf lovers from all over the country as well as international players.

Moscow Day is also a day of celebration in Moscow and other cities of the state that is celebrated on the 19th of September. This is also found to draw a lot of tourists.

E. Etiquette / Do's and Don't's

Do's

? It is considered to be part of etiquette to take off ones gloves when shaking hands.

? Do remove your shoes before you enter a home. A pair of slippers (tapki) is generally provided to help keep the home clean.

Don'ts

? Women in Moscow are not supposed to be dominating in public.

? Women are not expected to carry heavy bags while walking alongside a man.

? Women should not open doors, uncork bottles or pay for a meal when in company of a man. Thus, traditional chauvinistic approach is still present in the State.

? It is customary to not shake hands or kiss across the doorstep as this is traditionally considered to bring bad luck.