Music Has No Borders

Russian musicians have been nominated for four Grammy Awards this year. The awards are presented by the American Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. This just shows how well recognized Russian classical music is. It bonds countries and all societies together even in times when Russia is struggling politically with the United States (NATO). Music has no boundaries.

They nominees are:
Marlinsky Theatre-Rodion Shchedrin's Opera, "The Enchanted Wanderer"
     Finalist in two categories: Best Opera, Best Work by a Contemporary Classical Composer
Mariss Jansons-conductor of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic
     Finalist: Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance
James Mallinson-Producer of "The Enchanted Wanderer"
     Finalist: Producer of the Year in Classical Music


The grand prizes will be awarded in LA on February 13 2011. 


http://www.themoscowtimes.com/arts_n_ideas/article/mariinsky-is-grammy-nominated/425871.html

History of St. Petersburg

Founded in 1703 by Peter I (Peter the Great), it was Russia's capital for around 200 years until the end of the Russia revolution. Peter the Great was the Tsar of Russia from 1682-1725. He was credited with dragging Russia out of Medieval times. He centralized the government, created a navy and modernized the army. By the time of his death in 1725, Russia was the leading European power. He wanted to build St. Petersburg to be his European paradise. After conquering the Northern War with Sweden, Russia had access to the Baltic coast which therefore made St. Petersburg one of Europe's major sea ports. Being a man who appreciated physical labour, he wanted to showcase the quality of craftsmanship the Russian workers had to offer. Palaces of the grandest scale were built for all to see, especially to show sailors traveling from over countries just how wealthy and powerful the Russian empire truly was. 

Until April 1914, St. Petersburg was one of the most stable cities in all of Russia. But in 1914 after World War I, the Russian people found its name too "German" as Russia and Germany were now enemies. St. Petersburg would now be known as Petrograd. All efforts changed from building up the city to industries to aid war efforts, particularly military ammunition factories and hospitals. The war didn't go so well for Russia though. Their government was collapsing, political tensions were rising and there was a massive food shortage in the capital.  

In 1918, Lenin proposed that the capital be moved to Moscow because the German army was advancing quickly and they were coming close to Petrograd. The population also dropped from 2.3 million people to 722 thousand by the end of the Civil War. In 1924 once Lenin was fully in power, the name changed again to Leningrad to symbolize the transition to a socialist society. When Leningrad collapsed in 1941 (start of World War II), it was a devastating time for those who lived there. Germany had the city surrounded and for 900 days, people were unable to have access to food or any other necessities that lied outside of the cities borders. 

After the war, Leningrad was restored to its former beauty. The 70's and 80's were a period of stability for the Soviet Union but at the collapse of the Soviet Union, hardship became prevalent again. But with all this change, the city was given back its former name, St. Petersburg. Economically, St. Petersburg is still far behind Moscow but they were making a slow and steady recovery. The younger generations are starting to restore St. Petersburg to its glory in hopes to attract more tourism which will help a faster economic recovery. 

Troubles with NATO??

Can Russia distinguish its enemies from its friends?? Read the article to find out how Russia is concerning its NATO allies. Can the past be coming back to haunt them?? 

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/11/30/russian-warheads-near-nato-allies-fuel-worry/

Russian Revolution (1917): Timeline

Events Leading up to the Russian Revolution

Russo-Japan War (1904-1905): Russia's attempt to invade the east
-Russia attempted to invade Manchuria and Korea
-They were defeated by Japan which caused a political divide in the country because this was the first time any European country had lost a battle with an Eastern country.

1905 October Manifesto: Russia's first constitution...sort of!
-Against his will, Nikolai Romanov adheared to the wishes of the working class
-created the State Duma, an elected parlimentry body
*Problem-Nikolai spent the following years stripping the Duma of its power so he could retain autocracy

Assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914): Murdered by Serbian political activists
-Austro-Hungarian Empire declared war on Serbia and Serbia turns to Russia for help
-Nickolai saw it as a chance to unite the Russian people once again after the embarassing defeat of the Russo-Japan war.
Outcome: It didn't work...created a further divide

The Revolution (February 23 1917): culmination of a century of civil and military unrest directed at the Tsar and aristocrats
Causes:
-Cruel treatment of peasants by Tsar and aristrocrates
-Poor working conditions for those in the industrial economy
-Social awareness of democracy from the west
-Food shortages
-Military failures

Story:
-All workers abandoned their factories and went on strike
-When Nikolai ordered the military to intervene, they turned against the Tsar and joined the demonstration instead
-After failing to hand over power to his brother Micheal (who refused to take the position unless elected by the Duma), Tsar Nikolai was forced to resign leaving Russia with no head of state.
-After his resignation, leading members of the Duma set up a provisoal government until a more permanent leader and political system could be voted on.
-Gave Lenin the opportunity to step into power

Moscow, the centre of Russian Politics

The centre of politics in any country is in its capital city. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is not only the most politically central city but it also houses the greatest number of job opportunities. Trying to cross provincial borders in Russia is unlike the freedom we have in Canada. Each province has its own centre which is trying to compete economically with Moscow... realistically impossible. The solution, rearrange Russia's territorial boundaries to revolve more equally around Moscow. An impossible task....?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11829633

Cold War Hangover

Curious as to what this means? So was I.
In short, this article highlights how technically Russia is now a democratic state but hate still lingers from the Russian cold war. Many Russians still refuse to see international organizations as friends. Rather, they still view them as a threat and enemy. The article also highlights why Russia's relations with the UN are becoming more unsettled.

http://www.russiaprofile.org/page.php?pageid=Politics&articleid=a1290432286