In the 19th century, when Boris Akunin’s novel is set, Russian classical music became world famous. This made me explore stereotypes and biases surrounding this genre during my armchair travel to Russia. So, here is another #OpenEars post! There is no secret to enjoying classical music. Classical music belongs to everyone. I happen to have…
Listening to Russia
With open ears Iβm listening through all kinds of music from Russia and exploring its musical history. In doing so, I curate a Spotify playlist with my favorite discoveries. This playlist follows only two rules: I include artists from or strongly connected with Russia and I include a maximum of two songs by the same…
A Worldwide Conspiracy and an Adorably NaΓ―ve Hero
A talented young student from a wealthy family commits suicide in a public park. Set in Moscow in 1876, the inexperienced police detective Erast Fandorin investigates this seemingly open-and-shut case – and in doing so, uncovers a deadly terrorist conspiracy of worldwide proportions. A promising premise to Boris Akunin’s “The Winter Queen”! π€© I’m excited…
Listening to India
With open ears Iβm listening through all kinds of music from India and exploring its musical history. In doing so, I curate a Spotify playlist with my favorite discoveries. This playlist follows only two rules: I include artists from or strongly connected with India and I include a maximum of two songs by the same…
Song of the Little Road
Watching the first part of the Apu trilogy, Pather Panchali (1955) by Satyajit Ray, has left me utterly mesmerized. A beautiful, sad and touching movie that depicts the childhood of Apu and his older sister Durga as they grow up in desolate poverty and hardship. I cried, I laughed, I marveled at the enchanting landscape…