Republished with gracious permission from Mr. Nilsen’s <a href="https://richardnilsen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">personal website</a>.&nbsp;

This essay first appeared here in May 2017.

The Imaginative Conservative&nbsp;applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politics—we approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=5XB3QPV5AHZ98" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd%3D_s-xclick%26hosted_button_id%3D5XB3QPV5AHZ98&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1492205256203000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEAj1llAMCkldTbeEzYxmOrjANMoA">donating now</a>.

The featured image combines an image of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C4%8Cajkovskij_ritratto_seduto_-_Odessa_(1893).gif" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tchaikovsky</a> and an image of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JohannesBrahms.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brahms</a>, both of which are in the public domain, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Both Pyotr Tchaikovsky (in 1840) and Johannes Brahms (in 1833) were born on May 7. That little coincidence didn't help endear Brahms or his music to Tchaikovsky, however, as the Russian called the German "a conceited mediocrity" and "a giftless bastard." But then one New Year's Day, the two men met at a dinner and had drinks together. (essay by Richard Nilsen){ai:summary}The essay reflects on the importance of approaching cultural and political discussions with appreciation and generosity. It emphasizes the need for a more magnanimous dialogue in an increasingly divisive environment.Support for such discourse is encouraged through donations to maintain this platform. #culture

"A Conceited Mediocrity": The Story of Tchaikovsky and Brahms

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