Can anyone tell me some specifics about the attempted assassinations upon Alexander II? Here's why I ask: there is a famous symphonic piece/piano piece called "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky based upon the paintings of Viktor Hartmann. The final movement of this piece is overwhelmingly strong and beautiful and it depicts a huge "Gate" design to the city of Kiev that was proposed to celebrate Alexander II's escape from assassination in Kiev in 1866. If you listen to the piece you can envision how grand the building would have been, and google Hartmann's painting and you'll see it would have been fantastic, with the central portion resembling a medieval Russian warrior's helmet. Anyway, I digress. Hartmann's drawing of this Gate was entered into a competition, but no building was ever built even though I think the Russian government had sponsored a competition. When you read program notes they sometimes scoff at the idea that Hartmann's Gate was not constructed and that Alexander II never carried through on his intention to build a monument celebrating his escape. But I suspect there is more to the story. I am wondering if in between 1866 and 1879 there were other, smaller assassination attempts that made the Tsar reconsider the idea that he had really escaped death, and that he was still at great risk. If you get a chance to listen to it, do; since we all know what happened to Alexander II in the end, it makes the majestic sweep of the music deeply moving. Thanks for any information you have. (Naslednik)
