The Human Stupidity, by Ion Creangă (1874)

|

There was a time, when it was, that if it weren’t, it wouldn’t be told. We haven’t been since the stories, but we’ve been there for about two or three days, since the flea was shod with ninety-nine iron goats … Read More

Art criticism

|

(Monkeys as Judges of Art, 1889, Gabriel von Max.) Art criticism is the value judgment expressed on works of art in the field of aesthetics, but also with regard to their relevance in a given social and political context. Art … Read More

Prince Charming from the Tear (Făt-Frumos din lacrimă), by Mihai Eminescu

|

(Excerpt) In ancient times, when people, as they are today, were only in the germs of the future, when God was still treading with his holy feet the stony deserts of the earth, – in ancient times lived a thoughtful … Read More

Historical authenticity in performance (Historically informed performance)

|

The expression historically informed performance (HIP) designates a musical interpretation movement developed in the 20th century and more particularly during the second half of the 20th century. Seeking to get closer to the musical tastes of the time and the … Read More

Artistic idealism

|

(Neoclassical aesthetics is a paradigmatic example of idealistic art: The Oath of the Horatii, by Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825) .) The idealism in art is an artistic approach that seeks faithful representation of reality (mimesis), to equal the artistic realism; but … Read More

Nature of Poetry

|

(The Parnassus (1511) by Raphael: famous poets recite alongside the nine Muses atop Mount Parnassus.) Sound Perhaps the most vital element of sound in poetry is rhythm. Often the rhythm of each line is arranged in a particular meter. Different … Read More

XII. LAST FRIEND

|

One day last summer, about the month of June, Claire and her mother were working in the living room, while I was perched in my usual place, on the shoulder of the girl, where I played with her coiffure and … Read More

XI. INGRATE AND COWARD

|

The Blackbird, using his strength at my instigation, drove out this denatured father from our quarter: we were rid of this sad household and peace reigned again around us. Our children were visibly growing; their kindness was extreme; already they … Read More

X. HOUSEHOLDS ON HOUSEHOLDS

|

I was never happier than in this blessed garden of heaven. Abundance of possessions, profound peace, charming relations with the highest sparrows of the capital, was it necessary more for my fate to be worthy of envy? Alas! yes, I … Read More

IX. TOO HAPPY

|

Give! so that God who endows families, Give your sons strength and grace to your daughters; So that your vine always has a sweet fruit; So that a more mature wheat bends your barns; In order to be better; in … Read More

VIII. DISCOURAGEMENT

|

I had gone heartbroken, despite the carelessness and proverbial gaiety of my character. I could not overcome my pain, for the sorrow I felt was of a different nature from all those who had overwhelmed me to this day. My … Read More

VII. O MISFORTUNE, BE WELCOME, IF YOU COME ALONE!

|

When it’s snowing in the cold, When the wind whips the roofs; When under the feet the ice screams, The tree complains and the bird prays: “My God, do not leave us “During the winter and its frost!” (Regensburg). It … Read More

1 2 3 4 5 6 36