Experience Tumblr Like Never Before
you worded it better than I ever could! the way Russian citizens took him in with open arms, the way they welcomed him, the way they gifted him all those beautiful roses during his performance, how they laughed with him-- it's all so heart wrenching and beautiful. Knowing Khrushchev was in attendance too is astounding to me. Just thinking of Alfred and Ivan being in the presence of that loving glimpse of their shared humanity is... so painfully lovely.
Also, if you've posted the fanfic, please let me know because I'd love to read it!
do y'all ever think of what alfred and ivan's reactions were to van cliburn's piano concerto in russia in 1958? I like to think that it was very similar to that harrowing scene in "portrait of a lady on fire" where one is watching them fall apart listening to the music. just like marianne and heloise, the music became a solace to what they left behind