t Petersburg was a vibrant bustling city in the 1870s Business was booming People took pride in their Russian heritage It was an exciting time full of hope and prosperity Everyone looked to the future with great expectations especially the city’s young artists and musicians After centuries of exclusion Russia had finally been embraced by the rest of Europe Russian culture was all the rage
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It’s finally finished cried Victor as he burst through the front door Modest and Vladimir looked up from the piano They were playing through a scene from Modest’s new opera What are you talking about asked Vladimir My designs for the building competition said Victor You know for the City Gate in Kiev He pushed the breakfast dishes to one side and carefully spread his drawing out on the table Come have a look he said You’ll love it Vladimir chuckled as he got up from his chair No one can accuse you of false modesty Victor Modest nudged Vladimir Stop teasing him he said You’re the same way when you finish writing one of your articles He walked over to the table and studied his friend’s drawing It’s fantastic Victor The judges would be fools not to choose your design I agree said Vladimir It’s magnificent Do you really think so asked Victor Oh I hope you’re right It would be a dream come true to finally see one of my designs built in stone
