Страницы Русской Поэзии XVIII-XX вв.

Released by the state label Melodiya in 1982, this recording features the acclaimed Soviet poet and literary figure Nikolai Tikhonov. As part of a broader series dedicated to the preservation of Russian literary history, this release serves as an archival medium for Tikhonov’s own readings or scholarly commentary on the evolution of Russian verse across three centuries. It emerged during a period when the Soviet cultural establishment placed significant emphasis on the canonization of classical and modern poetry through audio documentation, ensuring that the oral tradition of Russian literature remained accessible to the public and educational institutions.

The production design reflects the minimalist, functional aesthetic typical of late-period Melodiya releases. The sleeve layout focuses on institutional clarity, prioritizing the literary content over visual flourishes, which was consistent with the label's objective to archive cultural heritage for the collective Soviet audience. Tikhonov, a central figure in the literary scene of his era, was chosen for his authority within the Soviet Writers' Union, and his participation was received as a definitive attempt to bridge the aristocratic traditions of the 18th century with the revolutionary and post-revolutionary aesthetics of the 20th century.