Greetings from Germany Some time ago it was said that a Russian poet is more than just a poet. Who is the author of this statement and what does it mean? Is it still so with modern Russian poets?

It was said by another poet Yevgeniy Yevtushenko. “Поэт в России больше, чем поэт”. But it’s not true anymore. There are no famous poets in Russia or elsewhere anymore.

Люся - 05 November 2010 07:25 PM

There are no famous poets in Russia or elsewhere anymore.

I agree. The time of poets has gone. Now their place is taken by mass media. Nobody needs fine poetry anymore

well, some rock singers are also considered poets - in all countries. I’m not sure about today but some 15-20 years ago russian rock bands like “кино”, “аквариум”, “наутилус пампилиус”, “машина времени” used to be known for very strong and acute lyrics. and their lead singers were respected amongst people, they influenced them.
by the way, you can listen to some of their songs right on this site: http://russianlearn.com/russian-music-archive/category/rock

tweety - 09 November 2010 05:10 AM

Now their place is taken by mass media. Nobody needs fine poetry anymore

Well, I disagree. I adore good poetry! I often read such poets like Byron, Goethe, Pushkin, Pablo Neruda… Shakespeare, of course. I find lots of inspiration from their poetry and it helps me to better understand myself and life around me.

Sergio Barba - 11 November 2011 05:36 AM

tweety - 09 November 2010 05:10 AM

Now their place is taken by mass media. Nobody needs fine poetry anymore

Well, I disagree. I adore good poetry! I often read such poets like Byron, Goethe, Pushkin, Pablo Neruda… Shakespeare, of course. I find lots of inspiration from their poetry and it helps me to better understand myself and life around me.

No one can argue with that. It’s just that the initial question was about MODERN poets. And those whom you recited are already gone - unfortunately. And today’s poets will hardly ever be just as influential as Neruda or Goethe used to be.