Poetry is an amazing field of creativity. Obeying a special rhythm, the words are combined into a single whole, carrying beauty in itself. There is an opinion that poetry as a genre is not modern, but a whole constellation of 21st century talents refutes it, proving once again that Russian poetry is not only Pushkin and Lermontov. Russian poetry does not end at Brodsky and Yevtushenko, but lives and develops to this day.
The list of famous poets, famous musicians or the most significant politicians is not the ultimate truth. In compiling such lists, they are usually guided by popular opinions or surveys. But you can use such lists, because in any case they reflect at least part of the overall picture.
Among the names of Russian poets that everyone should know are not only classics, but also poets of the Silver Age, and poets of the sixties. Their names are in school books on literature and encyclopedias, and their poems are taught from kindergarten. They made a serious contribution not only to poetry, but also to Russian culture as a whole.
- Pushkin, Alexander Sergeyevich.
- Tyutchev Fedor Ivanovich.
- Lermontov Mikhail Yuryevich.
- Fet Afanasy Afanasyevich.
- Nekrasov Nikolay Alekseevich.
- Bunin Ivan Alekseevich.
- Block Alexander Alexandrovich.
- Akhmatova Anna Andreevna.
- Pasternak Boris Leonidovich.
- Tsvetaeva Marina Ivanovna.
- Mayakovsky Vladimir Vladimirovich.
- Yesenin Sergey Alexandrovich.
- Brodsky Joseph Alexandrovich.
- Voznesensky Andrey Andreevich.
- Evtushenko Evgeny Alexandrovich.
Pushkin Alexander Sergeevich (1799–1837)
“The sun of Russian poetry” - this is how Odoevsky wrote about him in a notice of the death of the great poet. Contemporaries recognized the genius of Pushkin during his lifetime. He not only became the founder of the variety of genres of classical Russian poetry, but also the creator of the most beautiful literary Russian language. Many talented poets followed in the footsteps of Pushkin and were able to achieve fame and recognition. Poems by Alexander Sergeevich are known and loved not only in Russia. World fame brought him love poems, beautiful tales and sharp epigrams. The novel in poems "Eugene Onegin" is one of the most read works in the world.
Tyutchev Fedor Ivanovich (1803–1873)
The poet-thinker and the great Russian lyricist, the creator of the famous phrase: “Russia cannot be understood by the mind.” Tyutchev admired Pushkin and dedicated poetry to him. And it was Pushkin who made Fedor Ivanovich famous by publishing his poems in the journal Sovremennik. Tyutchev himself, having written more than 400 works, considered himself a layman and was skeptical of his work. From his youth, he wrote touching poems about his native nature, considering it the most wonderful miracle on Earth. Tyutchev is also famous for his translations of Greek poets.
Lermontov Mikhail Yuryevich (1814–1841)
The star of Russian poetry, the poet who wrote countless beautiful poems, has gone in the color of years. Lermontov’s work is permeated with loneliness and striving for an unattainable ideal. His poems, even the most passionate and rebellious, are fanned with light sadness. His ballads and elegies were translated into many languages of the world. The Russian emperor believed that Mikhail Yuryevich could be compared with Pushkin with his talent, but he passed away too soon. The names Pushkin and Lermontov were forever inscribed in the history of Russian poetic classics.
Fet Afanasy Afanasevich (1820–1892)
Despite the difficult life, Fet from his youth wrote good poems that both children and adults liked. The sincerity and warmth pervading his work left a noticeable mark in Russian poetry. His poems formed the basis of famous romances. Afanasy Afanasevich himself called himself a soldier, horse breeder, poet and translator. His life was filled with creativity, friendship with Leo Tolstoy and concern for the estate. Fet's contemporaries, famous poets of Russia, Turgenev, Tolstoy, Nekrasov, admired the poetics and musicality of Fet's poems.
Nekrasov Nikolay Alekseevich (1821–1878)
As the son of a wealthy landowner, Nekrasov became a singer of folk sorrows. In his poems - compassion for a simple Russian person. An amazing fact: fans recognized the talent of Nekrasov in the content of his poems, but most believed that his syllable was awkward, and there was little artistry in poetry. His works differed from verses of classic poets in form and melody. Only later was the genius of Nekrasov and his innovative ideas in poetry appreciated.
Bunin Ivan Alekseevich (1870–1883)
One of the brightest representatives of Russian poetry, which has absorbed the best features of the classics. His poems are saturated with atmosphere and images. He considered himself more a poet than a writer, although his prose is no less famous than his poems. Ivan Andreevich wrote about what he lived. The themes of his work became life itself and the joy of being, childhood and youth, loneliness and longing. Bunin was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his invaluable contribution to literature.
Block Alexander Alexandrovich (1880–1921)
Famous poets of Russia are not limited to classics. Alexander Blok - one of the star poets of the Silver Age - began to write poetry at age 5. Over the years of life and work, he was able to achieve excellence in creativity. Alexander Alexandrovich Blok - a symbolist poet, was the idol of young intellectuals of the 20s of the XX century. His poems possessed not only the beauty of the artistic word and form, but also the incredible power of suggestion and influence. Blok was not only a poet, but also a talented writer and literary critic. He lived at the junction of two centuries and two different eras, because of which his legacy is incredibly multifaceted and forever inscribed in the history of Russian literature.
Akhmatova Anna Andreevna (1889–1966)
She was called the nymph of the Acmeists and the soul of the Silver Age. She wrote about love different, sensual and sublime, and all her poems were full of drama. Works of various forms, equally talented, made her a star among poets. Anna Akhmatova aroused admiration of fans and condemnation of the authorities, but did not bend under the weight of glory or under the weight of accusations, remaining true to her heart. The most famous Akhmatova brought a collection of "Rosary".
Pasternak Boris Leonidovich (1890–1960)
Not everyone can quote Pasternak's poems. But it’s worth remembering the famous songs “There will be no one in the house”, “The candle was burning” (or “Winter night”), “I ended, and you are alive” (or “Wind”) written by Boris Leonidovich. The talent of the poet was recognized throughout the world, as evidenced by the Nobel Prize in literature. But at home, Soviet power did not accept and condemn Pasternak, despite his ardent faith in the revolution. In his work, the poet was able to combine physical and spiritual nature, a flight of fantasy and gray everyday life. Shakespeare's works in the translation of Pasternak are still considered canonical.
Tsvetaeva Marina Ivanovna (1892–1941)
The great Russian poetess Marina Tsvetaeva lived and breathed love. All her poems were about love, permeated with love. Each movement of her soul was reflected in her work. They talk about such people - they cannot but write. And Tsvetaeva wrote poetry about herself and her heart, dedicated poetry to her beloved and dear people. Today, her work occupies a special place in Russian literature. As she prophesied, her poems, "like precious wines," came the turn. Tsvetaeva’s poems are read and studied as a confession of the famous poetess not only in Russia but throughout the world.
Mayakovsky Vladimir Vladimirovich (1893–1930)
Singer of the people's revolution, poet and playwright, screenwriter, film director, film actor, artist, editor - all this is one of the most prominent poets of the XX century. Critics still argue about the work of Mayakovsky, not knowing whether to rank him among the greatest geniuses or talented mediocrity. Poetry called the work of Mayakovsky poet Vladimir Kornilov. And this electricity was present in everything - in torn lines with a ladder, in crazy love, in the passion with which the poet threw himself into everything: from chanting the revolution to gambling. The brave, extraordinary Vladimir Mayakovsky, a famous poet, known far beyond the borders of his homeland.
Yesenin Sergey Alexandrovich (1895–1925)
Yesenin's work is so large-scale and multifaceted that it can not be described in a few words. Emotional, full of amazing love of life poems or poems filled with melancholy and longing, tearing the soul with its hopelessness. Yesenin was controversial not only in poetry. His life resembled a boat in a raging sea. A rebel and a bully, he knew how to subtly feel and sing true love. It is known that Yesenin and Mayakovsky could not stand each other and often criticized, while recognizing the undoubted talent of the opponent.
Brodsky Joseph Alexandrovich (1940–1996)
Speaking of the famous poets of Russia, one cannot fail to mention Joseph Brodsky. The poet received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, but was persecuted and persecuted in his homeland. Brodsky called his teachers Anna Akhmatova, Marina Tsvetaeva, Osip Mandelstam, Uisten Auden and Robert Frost. Brodsky's poetry was a reflection of his philosophy, his freedom of spirit. But difficult life circumstances could not but affect, and the verses acquired a hint of tragedy, soreness, corruption. Brodsky is considered one of the most famous dissident poets.
Voznesensky Andrey Andreevich (1933–2010)
The representative of the sixties poets, Andrei Voznesensky, like many of his brothers in the shop, could not boast of love and respect for the authorities. His work was called abstract delirium, epigrams were written on him and caricatures were drawn. But the poet was able to retain the talent to see the fine lines of the soul and write in such a way as to affect every living feeling of the reader. Performances are staged based on Voznesensky’s works, songs and romances are written. The rock opera Juno and Avos also has as its basis a libretto written by Ascension.
Evtushenko Evgeny Alexandrovich (1932–2017)
The author of the famous lines: “A poet in Russia is more than a poet” devoted his work to Russia. An innate sense of citizenship, unity with the people can be traced in many of his poems. He was considered a poet of his time. He sensitively perceived all trends and influences. But Yevtushenko wrote lyric poems, touching and piercing. Today Evgeny Yevtushenko is one of the most beloved poet of our time in Russia.
Many may argue that famous poets are not only 15 people whose name is well known. Today's reader will surely remember Vladimir Vysotsky, Eduard Asadov, Vera Polozkova. But Russian culture is rich in talents, and one list, even the longest, is not enough to cover all the beautiful creators of the past and present. Here are some of the most famous and popular poets of Russia.