Solomon Volkov is a journalist and musicologist whose work delves into the artistic world of the Soviet Union. He is best known for his writings that explore the lives and works of pivotal figures in Russian culture. His distinctive approach uncovers intimate details and hidden motivations of creators, offering readers a deeper understanding of their artistic legacies. Volkov brings a unique perspective to Russian art and its protagonists, enriching our comprehension of this fascinating cultural landscape.
From Simon & Schuster, Conversations with Joseph Brodsky is Solomon Volkov's exploration of a poet's journey through the 20th century.A portrait of Nobel Prize-winning poet Joseph Brodskey is painted through fifteen years of interviews with the author, depicting his childhood years in war-torn Leningrad, his time in Kruschev's Russia, and his love of the work of fellow poets Auden and Frost.
The book offers an insightful exploration of St. Petersburg, highlighting its profound artistic and spiritual heritage through the lens of a cultural historian. It features personal anecdotes and connections to renowned figures such as Balanchine, Shostakovich, Akhmatova, and Brodsky, providing a unique perspective on the city's vibrant cultural landscape. Accompanied by photographs, this work presents a rich and enjoyable narrative that captures the essence of modern St. Petersburg's legacy.
A History of Russian Culture from Tolstoy to Solzhenitsyn
The intricate relationship between politics and culture in twentieth-century Russia is vividly explored, highlighting how the experiences of artists like Tolstoy, Stravinsky, and Nabokov were shaped by the tumultuous reigns of Tsar Nicholas II and Stalin, as well as the transformative period of perestroika. Cultural historian Solomon Volkov delves into the deadly connections between Russian rulers and their artistic counterparts, offering an epic yet intimate account of a remarkable era that produced some of the greatest masterpieces in history.