In the intercultural relationships between Italy and Russia art and particularly music has always represented a strong link (trait-d’union) between these two countries, which have a lot in common though very distant geographically. Both of them have a great number of extraordinary works of art thanks to the many highly gifted artists who have lived there.. Both of them can boast great music schools and brilliant musicians in addition to artistic masterpieces.
Russia has some of the oldest famous theatres, often realized by Italian architects, who for long used to go to Russia to share their creativity and their skills. St. Petersburg itself, considered the pearl of the world culture, shows many examples of artistic Italian influence.
Think just of the amazing baroque and neoclassic buildings, whose projects were made by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Giacomo Quarenghi and Carlo Rossi for the Emperess Elisabeth 1st, Catherine 2nd and the Emperor Alexander 1st. Absolutely great was the role of the Italian composers who created the opera in Russia at the court of Catherine the great and of her successors. Less known probably is the story of the Russian singers who found in Italy not only their home but also fame and success. Among these singers it is worth mentioning Nicola Ivanoff, much appreciated by Rossini, who convinced Verdi to compose two arias just for him. One in Attila and the other in Ernani.
Montecatini Terme, the exclusive renowned European SPA.” La ville d’eaux” with many attractive valuable buildings of Decadentism, art decò but also neo baroque , was one of the favourite meeting places of composers like Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and musicians like Toscanini, Caruso. Actually many other artists, conductors, librettists, men of letters liked staying in Montecatini Terme for a period of rest, relaxation and study. Since the 19th century Montecatini Terme has been extremely important for the European “èlite” interested in musical culture and still is a place where art gives special emotions.