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[Kusnetsov]

Stravinski seems to express former Sovjet citizen´s anger towards Stalinism.

Hardly (but may be). Stravinsky was well-known in USSR. And listened to as well. Actually, I think, he's less popular nowadays within post-Soviet countries than he was in USSR. You know - capitalism, it doesn't enlighten.

I think the only sensible way to cope with this „problem“ is to learn to appreciate and enjoy it. It teaches us (or should teach us) tolerance. My wife is from Slovakia. When we met in her town – not far from the Ukraine frontier - she could only speak Slovak and she had a German vocabulary of maybe 10 words. We have been together now for 6 years and she´s living here in Sweden for the past 3 years. We now mix Slovak, English, German and Swedish in our communication. We have LOTS of misunderstandings! But it doesn´t really matter because we both love life and we have the same will to live - TOGETHER.

Life in Slovakia (Czecholsovakia) was difficult and even WORSE today now that capitalism has stripped the people of their socialist rights. Olga´s network of friends in Slovakia is impressive, probably tempered out of hardship and communist fortitude. For this reason, I believe, she doesn´t compete with me as many western women do. She sees me as an asset, as I do her. Perhaps it is this attitude that is lacking in the world.

Anyhow, you have a good wife.

P.S. German baroque in music is a miracle.

[55° N - 13° E]

Stravinski seems to express former Sovjet citizen´s anger towards Stalinism.

Hardly (but may be). Stravinsky was well-known in USSR. And listened to as well. Actually, I think, he's less popular nowadays within post-Soviet countries than he was in USSR.

I probably didn’t explain very well what I wanted to say.

Stravinski’s work includes many “chaotic” and “angry” passages that I cannot relate to. Stravinski is not particularly popular in Sweden and it could be because we don’t have that element of chaos and anger in our character. Who knows.

In any case, everyone from the Sovjet block that I have discussed music with do like Stravinski. One acquaintance from Romania told me that when he is angry he “must” listen to Sravinski’s compositions. I maintain that citizens of the eastern countries are more willing to express both anger and depression than someone from my country. I don’t know why that might be true but my uneducated guess is the hardship that Stalin put into motion. But that theory is mine, and it’s based more on romantic ignorance than anything else.

[Kusnetsov]

I don’t know why that might be true but my uneducated guess is the hardship that Stalin put into motion.

No, I don't think Stalin has any relation to this. Really don't think so. (I'm not a stalinist, believe me). Stravinsky has been well-known all over the world. It means they have been listening to his music everywhere. I like listening to Miles Davis's and John Coltrane's music that is often “chaotic” and “angry” as well. I think it depends on a certain mood or at least national mentality (here I doubt).

P.S. I do believe that many people in the Western countries, as well as certain politicians in post-Soviet countries, somewhat exaggerate Stalin's influence on Soviet people consciousness. He died and and for many was gladly forgotten (my opinion).