OTD in Music History: Composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) sits down and writes a letter to his friend, the famous Russian conductor Eduard Napravnik (1839 - 1916), letting him know that Tchaikovsky will unfortunately not be able to attend the final rehearsals for the St. Petersburg production of his new opera "Mazeppa," because he must instead stay in Moscow to oversee the final rehearsals of the production of the same opera in that city. Tchaikovsky composed "Mazeppa" between 1881 and 1883, and two related “world premieres” were arranged: Moscow (February 3, 1884) and St. Petersburg (February 6, 1884) -- the latter to take place under Napravnik´s baton. At both of these performances, the work was regrettably marred by uneven vocal and acting abilities within the two casts. The press and the public nevertheless responded warmly in Moscow, but "Mazeppa" received a harsh critical roasting in St. Petersburg. Tchaikovsky's brother, Modest, initially hid that fact from Tchaikovsky -- and when Tchaikovsky finally learned the truth some weeks later, he wrote the following to Modest: "You did well, because the truth might have killed me." PICTURED: The original letter that Tchaikovsky wrote to Napravnik, referenced above, dated less than two weeks before the world premiere of "Mazeppa". This letter reads in part (translated): "It is impossible for me to leave Moscow, where rehearsals are due to begin any moment now, too. My earnest request to you is to rehearse my opera without waiting for me . . . I am transferring all my rights of authorship concerning interference into studying for and performing the opera entirely with you . . . I nourish absolute trust in your friendly sympathy for the fate of my opera . . . be assured that I am not in the least exaggerating saying that I unconditionally trust your craftsmanship, experience, and friendship . . ." Given the poor reviews, perhaps Tchaikovsky placed too much faith in his friend?

I’m so tired Mr Liszt :( Please can you recommend a very energetic piece of yours that might wake me up?

Good day my dear.

Mazeppa - both piano solo or symphonic - some Hungarian Rhapsodies or my paraphrase on Norma (Guerra, guerra!) are your friend in these trying times.

Lord Byron, Mazeppa 18.783-795.

Mazeppa - Louis Boulanger

The Faith Dane Centennial

Born 100 years ago today, actress, performer and politician Faith Dane (1923-2020) Born in Brooklyn, Dane started out as a Broadway chorus girl in her early 20s. She was in Sadie Thompson, the musical version of Maugham’s Rain starring June Havoc in 1944, and Nellie Bly in 1946. She toured with Wonderful Time in 1954. In 1959 came the role she is best known for, the bugling burlesque dancer…

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Horace Vernet | Mazeppa

(Mazeppa)

Have a cheeky Goomba taking a stroll on a Steinway Goombway for day #3 ❤️

Wacław Pawliszak - Mazeppa (ca. 1885)

Dovi's last Ducati years: a (very) quick study Andrea Dovizioso: How he was dismantled at Ducati / Dovi & Marc in Austria, 2019 / Mazeppa pursued by Wolves, Hornace Vernet, 1826 / Sachsenring, 2019 / Dovi's last win with Ducati in Austria, 2019 / Dovi's last race in Portugal, 2020 / "People forget quickly"

"Mazeppa", c.1870 by Hermann Loeschin, Musée Bossuet, Meaux, FR. oil on canvas

round 1.1 poll 7

(tap the images to view the full paintings)

Szał uniesień (Frenzy of exualtations) by Władysław Podkowiński, 1893:

[no propaganda has been submitted]

[read about the history of the painting - and yes, it involves the artist trying to destroy it!]

Mazeppa by Wacław Pawliszak, c. 1885:

propaganda: This painting is based on the legend of Ivan Mazepa, a Ukrainian hetman who today is remembered as both a patron of arts and an important military leader. He served on the court of a Polish king for a while (Jan II Kazimierz Waza), and the legend goes that he seduced a Count's wife and got expelled from the court by being tied naked to a wild horse (this didn't actually happen, but it makes for great art and poetry, including a famous poem by Lord Byron).

Mazeppa. 1870. Alfred Cluysenaar Belgian 1837-1902. watercolor.        http://hadrian6.tumblr.com

Ridiculously Sexy Paintings (for the sake of high brow art and not at all because we like seeing boys tied up)

Doing research for a chapter of Bram Stoker's Hannibal got me on a deep dive into the history of Galaƫi in Romania, which got me on the Ukrainian hero Mazepa which lead me to Lord Byron, Antony Dimmond's favorite poet, because everything is connected.

Once Byron's poem was published everyone was horny for Mazeppa tied naked to a horse.

Which made me think of St. Antony paintings, which singlehandedly are responsible for so many people's gayness and interest in BDSM. So of course Hannibal has to talk about that in an upcoming chapter because of course he would.

This one is like "Ugh, you guys, you are super over-reacting like OMG grow up"

You know canon young Hannibal was looking at art books getting all hot and bothered in the library at Castle Lecter.

Merry Christmas Eve!