[Russia] Karpushina Tatiana, Shenyang University
Dear Mr. Li Yugang,
How are you doing!
My name is Taniya (Karpushina Tatiana) and I am a student at the Oriental Institute of National Research University "Higher school of economics” Saint Petersburg. I would like to pour out my heart to you: I am inspired and touched by your artistic talent, and thus I think I must introduce your works to Russians.
When I came to Shenyang in 2017, I knew you for the first time. In fact, Russians do not know much about Chinese artists, but your songs and performances inspire me a lot, from which I see the charm and beauty of Chinese culture.
In order to understand more, I check relevant information on the Internet, appreciate the artistic conception of your songs with carefulness, and watch your interviews again and again. You greatly widen my horizon and introduce me into a better and richer world. You give me inspiration and serve as a mentor for me.
From an early age, I dreamed to be a communicator. Whenever I learn about a new form of art, I am willing to spread it to more people, and I think you seem to be like this. I grasp the charm of your songs, so I translated them and tried to express their original intents.
By means of the most appropriate Russian words, I retain the mood in your lyrics to finish integrated works, which not only reflects the meaning of Chinese words, but also conveys emotions and brings special touch to readers.
After translation, I uploaded them on the Russian network to spread your works in Russia. Your works has struck the hearts of Russians and received a warm response. They think that some songs are particularly elegant, beautiful, and amiable.
I have carefully translated some songs, including “The New Drunken Beauty”, “Just Meet You”, “Good Person's Pleasant Dream”, “Top of Roof Crown”, “Lotus”, “Gongzhuling”, and “Hometown”. I want to mention the last three songs in particular, which are written by yourself and embody your true feelings. Your thoughts and soul are reflected in these songs, which I dare not misinterpret. So I work hard to translate, and now Russians know what you want to express, and they will understand your inner thoughts.
Have you heard of Yesenin, a well-known poet in Russia who is loved and respected just like Pushkin by people? Yesenin lives in the silver age of Russian poetry, which is an awfully difficult period for the country. He came from the countryside like you, and in order to spread his art, he moved to the capital Moscow. Your songs “Hometown” and “Gongzhuling” especially have something in common with his works. Yesenin enjoys the simple life of country and dislikes the busyness of city. His poetry often mentions where he was born and raised. When I first heard your song, I remembered Yesenin. So, you are more welcomed to Russians than you think.
I was fortunate to attend the “Li Yugang ten-year classic concert” in Chongqing. Although I was sitting far, and I still felt excited to see your performance and hear your voice. What a wonderful feeling this is! I came to St. Petersburg from a small city because I was very fascinated by the city. Known as the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg is a place with a long history and rich cultural heritage.
The Mariinsky Theatre is the oldest theatre in St. Petersburg, where many important performances are held. I always imagine you standing on the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre and bringing wonderful performances to Russians. You deserve the applause of the Russians and should feel our joy.
Therefore, if you plan to come to Russia to perform, I will endeavor to help you. I am ready to do that. I know what your dream is and am willing to help you achieve it. You once said, “My path is very, very long, but no matter how long, and no matter how lonely, I will carry through firmly to the end by myself, and stay true to my original aspiration. ” I hope that you will receive my letter, write back and accept my proposal. If not, I will continue to do what I am doing for you. For me, the foremost thing is to spread culture.
Now I have a ticket for the Prajna Horn in Shenyang on June 10. I will be there to appreciate the performance directed by you and enjoy it. Thank you, my great master. See you there!
Karpushina Tatiana from Russia
June, 2018
The story is from "My Beautiful Encounter with China" Essay Competition organized by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (CSCSE).
