Andrei Bely was a seminal figure in Russian symbolism, whose work was characterized by mysticism and a musical quality to his prose. He explored themes such as entropy, delving into philosophical concepts often influenced by his polymathic interests. His novel Petersburg, considered his masterpiece, is noted for its innovative sonic prose that evokes colors and captures the tumultuous atmosphere of its era. Bely's literary influence, compared to that of James Joyce, resonated throughout Russian literature and music.
St Petersburg, 1905. An impressionable young university student, Nikolai, becomes involved with a revolutionary terror organization, which plans to assassinate a high government official with a time bomb. But the official is Nikolai's cold, unyielding father, Apollon, and in twenty-four hours the bomb will explode.