Re the National Gallery’s move to rename Degas’s Russian Dancers as Ukrainian Dancers (National Gallery renames Degas’ Russian Dancers as Ukrainian Dancers, 3 April), there is an equally appropriate musical candidate. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 2 is usually dubbed the “Little Russian” – Little Russia is a historical name for Ukraine. The symphony makes use of three Ukrainian folk songs, and at one time was nicknamed the “Ukrainian symphony”. I am not an advocate for blanket revisionism, but this is one case where reassigning the Ukrainian name would be accurate and appropriate.
Perhaps those classical concert promoters who are looking to retain Tchaikovsky in their musical programmes, and struggling with the 1812 Overture, will find a ready alternative in Symphony No 2.
Edward Wilson
Penrith, Cumbria
• A friend’s great-grandfather, Henryk Siemiradzki, was introduced to the tsar as “one of Russia’s up and coming young artists”, only to snap: “One of Poland’s young artists, actually.”
Jeremy Muldowney
York
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