Pamatnik Glinke, Smolensk

The Glinka Monument is the world's first monument to composer M. I. Glinka, one of the landmarks of Smolensk. It is located in Blonier Park, opposite the Philharmonic Hall. Sculptor - A. R. von Bock. The fence is designed by academician I. S. Bogomolov.

The monument to the composer was created by voluntary donations in 1883-1885. The solemn opening of the monument took place on May 20, 1885 with a large gathering of people. Among those present were Russian composers P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. S. Arensky, M. A. Balakirev, S. I. Taneyev, A. K. Glazunov.

The bronze sculpture depicts the composer at the lectern with the conductor's baton in his hand. The composer's coat, for some unknown reason, is made in the feminine manner, with the buttons on the left.

It is no accident that Glinka stands with his back to the lectern. This emphasizes that he is not just a conductor, but a composer who knows the notes by heart.

On the faces of the pedestal are bronze wreaths with inscriptions: "Glinka - Russia, 1885"; "Mikhail Glinka was born on May 20 in the village of Novospassky, Yelninsky district, died February 3, 1857 in Berlin, buried in St. Petersburg in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra".

The original openwork fence of the monument is made in the form of lines of music, on which 24 excerpts from Glinka's works are inscribed in bronze signs.

Twice a day, the composer's works are played from loudspeakers installed around the monument.