The question, “What are the characteristics of Russian music?” is, for similar reasons, difficult to answer. As in other countries, there are as many styles of music as there are great composers. Moreover, Rubinstein is less like any other Russian than he is like the German Mendelssohn. If a “composite portrait” could be made of the works of prominent Russian composers, it might, nevertheless, give some idea of their general characteristics. Tchaikovsky’s passionate melody, reinforced by inspired passages from Rimsky-Korsakov and by the tuneful strains of Rubinstein, would give prominence to what is best in Russian music. A more distinct race trait is the partiality of Russian masters for deeply despondent strains, alternating with fierce outbursts of unrestrained hilarity, clothed in garish, barbaric orchestral colors. In startling contrast with the alluring charms of Rubinstein’s Oriental and Semitic traits are the harsh dissonances of Moussorgsky, Scriabin, and Stravinsky. Blending all these traits in our composite musical portrait, with a rich infusion of folk-songs of diverse types, both Asiatic and European, we glimpse the main characteristics of Russian music. [Illustration: MAKERS OF THE RUSSIAN BALLET From left to right--Leonide Massine, dancer; Leon Bakst, costume and scene designer, and Igor Stravinsky, composer] _SUPPLEMENTARY READING_ A SHORT HISTORY OF RUSSIAN MUSIC _By Arthur Pougin_ THE RUSSIAN OPERA _By Rosa Newmarch_ THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF TCHAIKOVSKY _By Modeste Tchaikovsky_ ANTON RUBINSTEIN’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY PEASANT SONGS OF GREAT RUSSIA _By Eugenie Lineff_ A HISTORY OF RUSSIAN MUSIC _By M. Montagu-Nathan_ _THE OPEN LETTER_ [Illustration: RUSSIAN BALLET A scene from “Soleil de Nuit,” one of Serge de Diaghileff’s ballets. The ballet was arranged by Massine, who occupies the center of the group. The music is by Rimsky-Korsakov, and the scenery and costumes were designed by Leon Bakst’s favorite pupil, M. Larionoff] Russian composers of our time are in luck. A wealthy timber merchant named Balaiev (bah-lah-ee-ev) appointed himself their special patron a number of years ago. In 1885 he founded a publishing house at Leipzig, and spent large sums of money printing the works of Russian composers and financing productions of Russian music all over the world. * * * * *