hirie wandering soul vinyl

Wandering Soul

11 SONGS • 49 MINUTES • AUG 26 2016

• TRACKS TRACKS
• DETAILS DETAILS

Hawaiian singer/songwriter Hirie spun her global citizenship into a lush and vibrant strain of reggae pop in the middle part of the 2010s. Backed by a six-piece band, the Filipino-born, Italian-raised, Oahu-based musician enjoyed somewhat of a breakout with her positively focused 2016 release Wandering Soul, and later built on that success with 2019's Dreamer.

Hirie's multicultural upbringing was a result of her father's career as a United Nations worker. When her family transferred from Europe to Hawaii, she found what she considered her spiritual home. From the Filipino heritage of her birthplace to the sunny reggae and native sounds of her adopted home, she felt a strong connection to island music, which influenced the bright, laid-back pop of her self-titled debut album in 2013. For her second album, she became involved with the cooperative Rootsfire label and enlisted producer Danny Kalb. With her San Diego-based backing band behind her, 2016's Wandering Soul offered a more expansive sound with horns, dub techniques, and occasional psychedelic textures. It also featured guest spots from Trevor Hall, Nahko Bear, and Nattali Rize. She returned in 2019 with Dreamer, an album which offered a variety of styles, from easygoing reggae to ska-influenced rock and smooth pop. ~ Timothy Monger

How are ratings calculated?

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

CLICK HERE FOR TOUR DATES & TICKETS

BEST FRIEND

LISTEN + DOWNLOAD

AVAILABLE NOW

A place for you and I to connect on a creative level <3

By supporting me on Patreon, you're becoming an active participant in my creative process while getting access to exclusive content, new music and much more.

Sign up with as little as $3 a month

Get Emails From HIRIE

Sign up to get news directly from Hirie!

• listening party
• existing artist
• See all results

No matching results

Try a different filter or a new search keyword.

Search all Bandcamp artists, tracks, and albums

• artists PRO view site
• edit profile
• subscription subscription
• view collection
• showLinkedBands(!showLinkedBands())" data-test="linked-accounts-header">

Wandering Soul

Digital Album Streaming + Download

Buy digital album   $9 usd  or more, send as gift  , share / embed.

HIRIE San Diego, California

Hirie’s immersion into the reggae lifestyle came at a young age through growing up in Hawaii, after stints living in the Philippines and Italy. Reggae is the top music in Hawaii, and it was only natural when Hirie emerged a singer-songwriter. At 19, when she moved to San Diego, California she made the leap from open-mic intimacy to craving the power and majesty of a full band. ...   more

• hiriemusic.com

discography

contact / help

Contact HIRIE

Streaming and Download help

Report this album or account

If you like HIRIE, you may also like:

Set in Stone by Stick Figure

supported by 8 fans who also own “Wandering Soul”

Not my usual Doom Metal cup of tea, but this is such a good album. Clean and simple without seeming flat or stereotypical. Antony Mills

World on Fire by Stick Figure

supported by 7 fans who also own “Wandering Soul”

This is my wife and my favorite song for when we’re at the Outer Banks here on Hatteras Ctjohnsonweb

The Reprise Sessions by Stick Figure

supported by 6 fans who also own “Wandering Soul”

Wisdom by Stick Figure

Slack falsetto melodies, lush dub arrangements, and feel-good lyrics come together for a memorable pop-reggae getaway. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 14, 2022

Showcase EP by RDL Shellah

The latest from the excellent label Duppy Gun is a showcase for RDL Shellah, an EP that rides the line between trap & dancehall. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 25, 2021

Summer Riddim by DUPPY GUN

A new riddim pack from the excellent label Duppy Gun sports the psychedelic take on dancehall for which they’ve become known. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 28, 2021

Endless Summer by The Elovaters

Bandcamp Daily    your guide to the world of Bandcamp

The Stories Behind Big Crown Records’ Soulful Singles

Composer Meara O’Reilly Brings Hockets Into the Future

The Merch Table: Samana Give Listeners a Map to Locate an Obelisk Hidden in Wales

On Bandcamp Radio

Jamie Finlay stops by to talk about his brand new album ‘Sun Dogs'.

• terms of use
• switch to mobile view

Hirie - Wandering Soul

DIGITAL RELEASE [Hirie Music / Rootfire Cooperative]

Release date: 08/19/2016

01. Wandering Soul

02. Good Vibration feat. Trevor Hall

03. Renegade

04. Don't Take My Ganja

05. Woman Comes First feat. Nattali Rize

06. Boom Fire

07. Melody Of A Broken Heart

08. You Won't Be Alone

10. Almost Home

11. Ride The Wave

Featured artists

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS

We are using cookies on this website to give you the best, most relevant experience. By continuing to use the website, you agree to the use of cookies. Further information on cookies can be found in our privacy policy

Wandering Soul

STREAM OR BUY:

Release Date

Recording location, discography timeline, user reviews, track listing, similar albums.

HIRIE reflects on latest album before Vinyl show

Sweep away the cares for an evening when HIRIE returns to Pensacola. The reggae-pop band takes the stage at Vinyl Music Hall on July 18 at 7 p.m..

Patricia Jetton, who goes by the moniker “Hirie,” leads the band with her slightly raspy, elegantly melodic voice. Backed by crisp rhythms from bandmates Chris Hampton, Andrew McKee, Andy Flores, Blaine Dillinger, and Joey Muraoka, the music is as inviting as a relaxing chair under an umbrella by the beach.

The band took off in 2013 after its self-titled debut album including the first single “Sensi Boy” was well-received. Last August, fans were thrilled when the follow-up album “Wandering Soul” was released.

More: Do it this week: July 9-15, 2017

Hirie took a moment to reflect on the latest album, her path to music, plus life on the road with husband, Jamey, and daughter, Beija, both along with her on the ride.

You were born in the Philippines and lived in Italy as a young girl. Your family moved to Hawaii and growing up there heavily influenced the musician you became. What led up to you pursuing music as a career?

I've always loved open mics and meeting like-minded musicians. Luckily one day I crossed paths with Chris, now my saxophone player and long story short, decided to take a leap of faith in creating my own band and really going for it!

You now live in San Diego with your family. Why did you make the move to California? For music?

Yes! Well, my sister lived in San Diego and somehow managed to convince my parents to make the big move out of Hawaii. I was spending half a year in Texas so once that heat kicked in I followed suit to San Diego. Couldn't be happier about that move! I truly feel like I hit the jackpot with the music scene here in San Diego. It must've been fate.

Have you ever lived anywhere that wasn’t on the coast? (It spoils a person a little!)

I've definitely spent time away from the coast and it's not my thing. Bodies of water are my cure-all. Same with the sun. I need both!

Does your family go out on tour with you?

Yes! My husband is my tour manager and my daughter is basically our boss, haha. She just turned 6 and is entering first grade though we home-school her. Or should I say tour-school? She's made for this though! We're really lucky that she loves life on the road and we're very happy to have her by our side 24/7.

What can you say about “Wandering Soul”? Is it all from your point of view?

“Wandering Soul” is a record that sums up the two years I had experienced on the road. I was battling myself spiritually and mentally and managed to find some answers through these songs. I overcame so much alongside my band members and we tried to convey those experiences in song.

Have you performed in Pensacola before?

Yes, we have! Very excited to be back as well.

Resinated from St. Petersburg, Florida, will open the show. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at the Vinyl box office and online at ticketfly.com. All ages show. An additional $5 charge for attendees 20 and under.

Visit vinylmusichall.com and hiriemusic.com for more information.

Just added to your cart

Collection: Music

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.

10 Minutes with a Wandering Soul, HIRIE

As Reggae sensation Rebelution embarks on their Falling Into Place 2016 Tour, they are joined by Reggae-Pop band HIRIE. The two bands performed Friday, Nov. 11 in Milwaukee at Turner Hall, bringing together a large crowd for a night of dancing.

HIRIE, who opened for Rebelution, include members, Hirie(Patricia Jetton), Chris Hampton, Andrew McKee, Andy Flores, Blaine Dillinger, Joey Muraoka, and they’re also currently looking for a keyboardist.

Hirie, who grew up in Hawaii, fell in love with reggae and is on a journey to “offer a global spiritual uplift” to all those she can reach.

Her top hit “Sensi Boy” grabbed the attention of reggae fans, putting her into the center of modern reggae music since 2013, even being nominated as San Diego’s Best World Music Award.

Her debut album released in 2013 and since then she has released her newest album Wandering Soul, which can be purchased  here .

HIRIE bounced onto stage, living up to her expectations as a bubbly performer, with a smile that never seemed to fade the entire night.

The atmosphere created by HIRIE’s reggae tunes were nothing short of warmheartedness. The night was a constant reminder why I love the reggae community so fondly.

It was clear how much HIRIE is adored by her fans. After her performance, there was a meet and greet, and then time at her merch booth to speak to fans. HIRIE could barely run to the bathroom because of the love she was receiving from those who wanted a hug, a picture, and to thank her for her music.

When I first met her, she embraced me with a welcoming hug and thanked me for being patient. Friendly is an understatement when speaking with HIRIE herself. She’s funky, she’s talented, she’s passionate, she’s loving, and extremely genuine.

Not only is HIRIE these things, but so is her team, which says a lot. Everyone I met alongside her were just as loving and appreciative. I was even told by her team beforehand how excited HIRIE was to be interviewed by a girl for the first time.

Since it was tough to get time alone due to her adoring fan-base, we were escorted away. Holding hands with HIRIE on our way to the green room to conduct our interview, she was given bright smiles and waves to those we passed. She was radiating with joy as she acknowledged everyone.

“Don’t worry,” friends told me before the show when I expressed I was nervous for the interview. “She will be so nice!”

Clearly, it is a known fact that HIRIE is a loving Rasta girl. She even put safety pins on her merch booth for everyone to take to put on their clothes as a way to promote kindness.

In the green room, I met her husband Jamey who helped schedule the interview. He was equally kind, thanking me for conducting the interview and offering me drinks and snacks. While we spoke, HIRIE talked to her five-year-old daughter Beija who is joining her parents on tour this fall. You can even follow her on Instagram!

Stepping off to the side, HIRIE and I sat together to begin our interview.

How did your performance go? How did Milwaukee treat you?

HIRIE: It was amazing, it was a good night, a really good crowd. It sold out, so you can’t go wrong and I was really stoked.

Was this your first time performing in Milwaukee ?

HIRIE: No, well Wisconsin we played I wanna say we have been here with Tribal Seeds and the last time we were here with Iration.

Were you in Madison?

HIRIE: Yeah, Madison.

HIRIE: The cheese! Cheese curds. *laughs* No, it’s beautiful, but definitely the cheese. I always remember the cheese!

Wandering Soul released in August, how have fans taken this? Tell me a bit about the journey you’ve been on since the release of Wandering Soul .

HIRIE: It’s been amazing. This album was fund-raised by the fans so we definitely catered it to the fans and gave them something that they could look forward to and that when the album finally dropped that they would feel like they were rewarded because they are essentially the reason we were able to put it out. So it’s been a really beautiful journey and it’s been nice because the last couple of tours, this one with Rebelution and the one right before with Nahko, they were essentially the first time we’ve been back so far from home and seeing the reaction of the people on the road and that they genuinely like the album and it’s nice seeing them singing it.

In your song Almost Home , you talk about some criticism you’ve encountered. Has Wandering Soul received any criticism? Furthermore, how do you take criticism?

HIRIE: You know what’s funny? There was one piece of criticism by one fan and it was one post on Instagram and all she said is “oh this is nothing compared to the first album” but of all people that heard it, that was the only one. But honestly, I take it with a grain of salt because I am really proud of what we did and it was a combination of three years. Me and the band have worked really hard and this is the first album I’ve ever put out that really encompassed the vibe of six people and our feelings and take on reggae music. Obviously, criticism doesn’t faze me and it shouldn’t faze anybody because you should be confident in what you do and if anybody criticizes you at any point, you should just roll with the punches.

HIRIE: My interpretation of a Wandering Soul is somebody who lives day by day, not necessarily knowing where they are, where they’re meant to be, or where they’re meant to go, but again, rolling with the punches, and being okay with not knowing who they are necessarily and just having an idea of what they wanna be, and being okay with being a gypsy and living out of their backpack or their suitcase. Kind of like what we do on the road. It’s a nice thing to not know.

Why did you decide to release You Won’t Be Alone and Renegade as your singles?

HIRIE: You Won’t Be Alone is probably the most “pop-iest” song on the album and it is about my daughter, but people don’t realize that. There is something really catchy about it, and our producer had a lot to do with that. It has this really groovy vibe and when you hear it, it’s really sticky. That’s the thing about good music. No matter what genre, something that is sticky transcends all genres. I was hoping “You Won’t Be Alone” would be the kind of song that people who don’t listen to reggae would hear and then appreciate.

Now onto touring, how has it been touring with Rebelution?

What is next for HIRIE after this tour? Can fans anticipate any new projects or even a third album?

HIRIE: Definitely, we are going to start working on a third album right when we are done with this tour. In the future we are going to be doing some international travels and we got some offers and we are hoping they will go through. We want to venture off and get some culture enrichment. You can definitely expect another international tour in the summer.

Is there any advice you have for young gypsies and spiritual individuals who follow your music?

HIRIE: Don’t ever not follow your gut. Follow your gut 100% and whatever it tells you, do it. If it means packing up your stuff and going, then go. Don’t ever be scared for allowing your inner feelings to shine through. Life is only so short and you should do whatever it is that makes you feel like an empowered person.

HIRIE: I just want to say thank you so much to Milwaukee and Wisconsin for having us again. Please all of you instill kindness, especially during times like this. Don’t be scared to speak your mind and promote positivity in a world that is so shifting. Just be a good person, be kind, be true, be you! Thank you!

Make sure to keep up with HIRIE and the rest of the band via social media.

Listen to Wandering Soul free here !

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

• Quick Facts
• Sights & Attractions
• Tsarskoe Selo
• Oranienbaum
• Foreign St. Petersburg
• Restaurants & Bars
• Accommodation Guide
• St. Petersburg Hotels
• Serviced Apartments
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Private & Group Transfers
• Airport Transfers
• Concierge Service
• Russian Visa Guide
• Request Visa Support
• Walking Tours
• River Entertainment
• Public Transportation
• Travel Cards
• Essential Shopping Selection
• Business Directory
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery
• 360° Panoramas
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow.Info
• Imperial Estates
• Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)

Visiting Tsarskoe Selo and Pushkin

While Peterhof may be the most elegant of the Imperial Palaces around St. Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo is undoubtedly the richest and most varies in terms of architecture and historical interest. To fully explore the two palaces, the ample parkland, and the other sights of the town of Pushkin would require considerably more than a single day. In the summer, when there are regularly over 7000 visitors a day, queuing for the Catherine Palace can further cut into your time, so arriving early is strongly recommended.

To get to Pushkin from St. Petersburg, you can take a suburban train from the Vitebsk Station to Pushkin Station, and then take buses 371 or 382 to the park gates. Alternatively, numerous marshrutka minibuses (K-286, K-287, K-299, K-342) run from Moskovskaya Ploshchad, next to Moskovskaya Metro Station. Tsarskoe Selo is 25km south of St. Petersburg, and journey time is a little under 30 minutes. Bear in mind that, during rush hour, the road to Pushkin regularly suffers appalling traffic jams.

If your time in St. Petersburg is limited - and if you have the energy - it is worth considering combining Tsarskoe Selo and Pavlovsk into one trip. While there is far more to see and do at Tsarskoe Selo, Pavlovsk is an ideal place to spend a relaxed summer evening. To travel between the two towns, use minibuses K-545 or K-299.

Catherine Palace

Built by the same architect as the Winter Palace, the Catherine Palace is a gilded rococo masterpiece, and home to the famous Amber Room, one of St. Petersburg's top tourist attractions.

Catherine Park

This large park shows the tastes of several generations of Romanovs, combining ornate formal gardens with a rambling landscaped park that contains several beautiful follies.

Alexander Palace

A superb example of neoclassical grandeur, the Alexander Palace is less famous than the neighboring Catherine Palace, but is slowly being restored to its former glories.

Like the Catherine Palace in miniature, this charming blue-and-gold pavilion was designed for private dining, and has superb 18th century interiors that have survived almost completely unaltered.

Turkish Baths

Designed to resemble a mosque, this eccentric pavilion on the shore of the Great Pond has beautiful interiors in "Moorish" style, including some pretty mosaics.

Built for Empress Elizabeth, this pretty folly was used by Catherine the Great to display classical sculptures and vases, and now houses temporary exhibitions.

Upper Bathhouse

Although its exterior is unusually simple in comparison with the surrounding buildings, this elegant neoclassical folly is richly decorated inside with copies of Roman murals.

Lower Bathhouse

Bearing some resemblance to a Russian church, this peculiarly shaped pavilion actually has a highly functional design, as can be seen in the recently opened exhibition inside.

Concert Hall

Designed as a temple to the goddess Ceres, Giacomo Quarenghi's large musical pavilion has strictly elegant facades and richly decorated interiors.

Museum of Festive Horse Carriages

Displaying a wide array of conveyances, many of them astonishingly luxurious, this collection is based on a museum founded by Tsar Alexander II.

Cold Bath Pavilion (incl. Exhibition Agate Rooms: The Way to Revival)

Less famous than the Amber Room, the remarkable 18th century interiors of the Cold Bath pavilion were no less unique, and are currently being painstakingly restored.

We can help you make the right choice from hundreds of St. Petersburg hotels and hostels.

Live like a local in self-catering apartments at convenient locations in St. Petersburg.

Comprehensive solutions for those who relocate to St. Petersburg to live, work or study.

Maximize your time in St. Petersburg with tours expertly tailored to your interests.

Get around in comfort with a chauffeured car or van to suit your budget and requirements.

Book a comfortable, well-maintained bus or a van with professional driver for your group.

Navigate St. Petersburg’s dining scene and find restaurants to remember.

Need tickets for the Mariinsky, the Hermitage, a football game or any event? We can help.

Get our help and advice choosing services and options to plan a prefect train journey.

Let our meeting and events experts help you organize a superb event in St. Petersburg.

We can find you a suitable interpreter for your negotiations, research or other needs.

Get translations for all purposes from recommended professional translators.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Guide to Russia

The History of Pushkin

• After Peter the Great had laid the foundations of St Petersburg, he set about making a palace for his second wife, Catherine I.
• Sarsky, as it was called by its Finnish inhabitants, had merely been an undistinguished village. But already by 1710, it was beginning to evolve into one of Russia’s grandest towns.
• Tsarinas Elizabeth and Catherine the Great built so many royal residences in the town that it became known as Tsarkoye Selo (Tsar’s village).

Pushkin during Imperial Russia

  Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in  Tsarskoye Selo , painting by E. Lanceray, Wikimedia Commons

When surveying the grandeur of the Catherine Palace and the surrounding suburbs of Pushkin, one would hardly suppose all these riches were once in the hands of a mere peasant. But that is exactly who Catherine I—or Martha Skavronskaya as she was known in the wheat fields of her native Poland— was. Though it is most likely true that Peter the Great transferred all of present-day Pushkin to Catherine as a sign of his love, Peter was also a calculating man. He foresaw that, with the growth of his beloved St Petersburg, a ceremonial residence for the court away from the heat of the city would be needed in summertime.

Peter and Catherine went down in the books as Russia’s most powerful ruling duo yet, despite their immense wealth, they were no show-offs. Their original Catherine Palace, with “stone chambers of 16 light rooms”, was a far cry from the resplendent sprawling palace that can be seen today. It was Empress Elizabeth who commissioned architectural greats like Rastrelli to transform the comparatively humble palace of her mother, Catherine I, to the shining, 300-meter-long baroque masterpiece of azure, white and gold. What had once been little more than a sixteen room manor house now had corridors leading to 40 state apartments and another 100 private rooms!

While Elizabeth’s lavish investment made the Catherine Palace the stuff of legends, it was Catherine the Great’s dedication which transformed the whole town of Tsarskoye Selo into a royal wonderland. Under her direction, the equally grand Alexander Palace was built as well as the Chinese village and the symbol of the Russian enlightenment, the Cameron Gallery.

Did you know? Russia’s first public railway started in Tsarskoye Selo, connecting it to St Petersburg. Today, despite being more or less abandoned, the Imperial Train Station still stands a few miles away from the Catherine palace— its stunning frescoes left to crumble.

After the exuberance of these two powerful Empresses, the changes made to Tsarskoye Selo by the succession of dull Tsars were rather unimpressive. In all the 200 years after Catherine, the only development worth mentioning in Tsarskoye Selo was the founding of the Lyceum by Alexander I to educate the offspring of Russia’s elite.

Had it not been for Nicholas II, Tsarskoye Selo’s history would have read like a fairytale. But, alas, the very home where Tsar Nicholas II was born was also to be the palace where his family’s rule of Russia was to be relinquished. The gilded gates turned into prison bars which would only be opened once to herd the last of the Romanovs onto a train headed for Siberia.

Did you know? Tsarskoye Selo was the first town in Europe to be fully electrified. In 1887, a power station burred into life lighting up 120 street lamps, like the unique five-tiered lamp still standing on one of Pushkin’s main streets.

Pushkin during the Second World War

Cars, trucks and even tanks were parked inside the halls of the Catherine Palace. The immaculate French gardens were bombed into oblivion. The rolling meadows of the English parks were strewn not with buttercups and bluebells, but with endless coils of barbed-wire. Marauding Mongols could not have treated Pushkin more barbarously than the Nazis. By the end of their occupation, all but one of the dazzling collections of palaces and outbuildings had been burnt, blitzed or bombed. The priceless treasures and pieces of Russia’s history had either been stomped over or stolen. As the hideout of the Gestapo, only the Alexander Palace remained comparatively unscathed.

Did you know? The Soviets renamed Tsarskoye Selo to Detskoye selo (childrens’ village) after the revolution. Clearly, the name wasn’t exactly apt for such a grand place so, on the centenary of Pushkin’s death, it was given its current name— Pushkin.

The Amber Room:

Amber Room in 1917. Autochromes of A. A. Zeest,  Wikimedia Commons

Catherine the Great may have taken the glitter away from the Catherine Palace’s facade, but she is also the empress who we have to thank for Pushkin’s most dazzling sight—the Amber Room. When the Prussian King presented Peter the Great with a chamber’s worth of amber panels in 1717, they were stuffed away in a room at the back of the Hermitage. With Catherine as the benefactress, the amber panels were expanded upon till they weighed 6 tons and were extensive enough to fill an entire hall of the Catherine Palace! It was under the blazing candle-and-amber light of this room that Catherine satisfied her legendary lust by wooing scores of handsome courtiers.

Did you know? Amber was 12 times dearer than gold at the time of the room’s construction!

Catherine Park:

Photo by  Lynn Greyling  from  Pixabay    

Blossoming meadows and acres of freshly cut lawns saturate the air of Pushkin with their heavenly fragrance. At every corner on every historic street, gates and footpaths lead to one grand park after another. While these parks all stretch out into breathtaking vistas, it is the Catherine Park— with its ensemble of wide lakes, pretty fountains, majestic monuments, romantic bridges and royal outbuildings— that is undeniably Pushkin’s finest park. Sail on the Great Lake on a gondola like the Tsar’s children, and marvel at Peter’s Dutch gardens, the Turkish Cascade and the Roman bathhouses.

Hermitage Pavillion

Photo by  Marla Prusik  on  Unsplash

The Hermitage is almost always associated with the magnificent palace on the Neva but actually, the word primarily refers to the dwelling of a hermit. Shrouded by the thick foliage of oaks and surrounded by a moat, the Hermitage in the Catherine Park embraces the true meaning of the word. While its style may not resemble that of a humble hermit’s retreat (the pavilion is a stunning miniature of the Catherine Palace), every aspect of its functional design was created in the aim of achieving complete secrecy. The Empress was adamant that not a single servant would disturb her evenings in the Hermitage with her closest confidants and, to that end, she even had a special elevator system constructed for the dining tables so that staff could serve food on the bottom floor and then hoist it up to the banqueters above!

Alexander Palace:

Photo by  cmsaccount  from  Pixabay  

The art-critic Igor Grabar once wrote of the Alexander Palace that “There are palaces that are bigger and more regal, but there is no palace with architecture that is more beautiful.” The mellow yellow and simple Corinthian columns of the palace lend it a subtle beauty that Tsars like Alexander I, Nicholas I, Alexander III and especially Nicholas II appreciated; the former to such an extent that he made it his official residence. Since 2015 the palace has been closed for extensive renovations. The parkland and surrounding buildings are still open, however, and the village of 18th-century Chinese cottages which once housed Catherine II’s court now runs as an unbelievably luxurious hotel.

Related Tours

Weekend in St. Petersburg

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with St. Petersburg if you are short on time. You will see all of the city’s major highlights and visit the Hermitage Museum - one of the largest museums in the world and former residence of Russian tzars.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

Highlights of Two Capitals

This is a well-balanced tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg that includes all must-see sights, such as the Kremlin, Red Square, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof with its world-famous fountains and, of course, the Hermitage Museum.

Tour of Pushkin: Catherine Palace and Park, Amber Room

The Palace and Park of Tsarskoye Selo is a former country residence of the Russian Tsars. It is a fascinating monument of the world’s architectural and gardening arts of...

Tours by car

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

Travel Thru History

Historical and cultural travel experiences

Saint Petersburg, Russia: In the Footsteps of Alexander Pushkin

“Pushkin was our everything,” declared Apollon Grigoryev (Russian poet). “Pushkin represented everything that is spiritual and warm about us.” 1 Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin was the great Russian poet of the 19th century whose poems marked Golden Age of Russian poetry. Even today his verses are so well-known that many Russians easily quote them by heart. Some lines they remember from their childhood, such as:

On seashore far a green oak towers, And to it with a gold chain bound, A learned cat whiles away the hours By walking slowly round and round. 2

Or they may recite one of famous Pushkin’s romantic poems, like this one:

I loved you: and, it may be, from my soul The former love has never gone away, But let it not recall to you my dole; I wish not sadden you in any way. 3

Alexander Pushkin was born in 1799 in Moscow but most of his life spent in Saint Petersburg (the Russian Empire’s capital). Pushkin is considered a literary symbol of this city where he has been commemorated in various ways: there are several Pushkin’s monuments Pushkin Street, and Pushkinskaya subway station.

Let’s heroes be exalted by the Poet’s lyre Whose proud strings set warrior’s hearts on fire; 4

Among guests of honor was elderly Gavriil Derzhavin, called by his contemporaries the greatest living Russian poet. Derzhavin recognized the young poet’s outstanding talent and declared that one day Pushkin will replace him. Later Pushkin described this event:

And with a smile the world caressed us: What wings our first successes gave! Aged Derzhavin saw and blessed us As he descended to the grave. 5

After his graduation from the Lyceum, Pushkin moved to Saint Petersburg and became one of the first Russian poets to praise this city, founded by Peter the Great. Pushkin’ poetry touched hearts of many of this city’ dwellers – past and present – by expressing in verses profound sentiments for Saint Petersburg.

I love you, Peter’s great creation, I love your view of stern and grace, The Neva wave’s regal procession, The grayish granite – her bank’s dress . . . City of Peter, just you shine And stand unshakable as Russia! May make a peace with beauty, thine, The conquered nature’s casual rushes; 6

Since my literary journey was dedicated to Pushkin, my next destination was the Summer Garden, the city’s most charming park modeled after the Versailles in France.

A melancholy time! So charming to the eye! Your beauty in its parting pleases me – I love the lavish withering of nature, The gold and scarlet raiment of the woods . . . 7

The Summer Garden was one of Pushkin’s favorite parks where he promenaded and met his literary friends. This place was also popular among the city’s aristocrats. Not surprisingly, the poet mentioned the Summer Garden in his masterpiece, the novel in verses Eugene Onegin, which was called an “encyclopedia of Russian life.” A young aristocrat Onegin, the protagonist, in his early years was educated by a French tutor who took him for daily walks:

Monsieur l’Abbe, the Frenchman poor – Not to exhaust the little child – Made his tuition droll and mild . . . He softly groaned at child’s jests – The Summer Garden was their place. 8

As much as I would be delighted to spend more time in this fascinating park, I had to move to the main destination of my literary journey – Pushkin’s memorial apartment at the Moyka River embankment, 12. I walked under the arch and in the inner square courtyard found the entrance to the last apartment where Pushkin lived with his family: his wife Natalia and their four children.

Since the Pushkins did not have their own house, they usually rented furnished apartments. Thus, in Pushkin’s memorial apartment there are few exhibits that belonged to the poet or his family members. Rooms are mostly filled with the 19th century furniture and home décor items that could be found in a typical apartment of a noble family.

Pushkin’s scholars still debate events leading to his untimely death, and some believe his wife Natalia was partially at fault. Described by Pushkin as “the purest example of the purest delight,” she was one of the most beautiful women of Saint Petersburg. 9 Natalia, according to her contemporaries, was coquettish with her numerous admirers, including Emperor Nicolas I. Emperor granted Pushkin an intermediate court rank, therefore, the poet and his wife were obligated to perform the court’s duties and could not leave the city. Natalia’s stunning beauty captivated Dantes, a young French emigrant in Russian service, who openly pursued her – even after his marriage to Natalia’s sister. Pushkin’s family peculiar situation became the focus of gossip and jokes in the beau monde of Saint Petersburg. After receiving anonymous letters about the love affair of Natalia and Dantes, Pushkin had to defend his honor, in compliance with the custom among aristocrats, at the duel.

Outside of Pushkin’s apartment, multitudes of people were standing for hours, despite the cold weather, waiting for news about Pushkin’s health, praying, and hoping for his recovery. The best medical doctors tried to save his life, but their efforts were in vain: on January 29, 1837, Pushkin died. “The sun of Russian poetry went down! Pushkin died, died in his prime, in the middle of his great vocation!” – it was the only public announcement about the death of the great Russian poet. 10

Yet Pushkin’s legacy is alive: on June 6 (Pushkin’s birthday), people gather in the courtyard of Pushkin’s memorial apartment to remember the poet by reciting his poetry. Pushkin’s poems inspired great composers to create operas: for instance, Mikhail Glinka (the founder of Russian opera) used Ruslan and Lyudmila (epic fairy tale), and Pyotr Tchaikovsky – Eugene Onegin.

As though foreseeing his destiny, Pushkin proclaimed:

No, I shall not all die. My soul in hallowed berth Of art shall brave decay and from my dust take wing, And I shall be renowned whilst on this mortal earth Even one poet lives to sing. 11

My literary journey came to its conclusion. I hope you enjoyed it, expanded your horizons with respect to Russian poetry, and became encouraged to follow the steps of Alexander Pushkin in Saint Petersburg on your own!

[1]Alexander Pushkin on Bridge, Muzeon, Moscow

[2]Pushkin, A. S. Ruslan and Lyudmila. Russian Crafts.

[3]Pushkin A. S. “I Loved You” (translation by Yevgeny Bonver)

[4]Recollections in Tsarskoye Selo (Russian text – translation by Tatiana Claudy)

[5]Pushkin A. S. Eugene Onegin. Chapter 8 (translation by Ch. Johnston)

[6]Pushkin A. S. The Bronze Horseman. Poetry Lovers Page

[7]Pushkin A. S. Autumn

[8]Pushkin A. S. Eugene Onegin. Chapter 1 (translation by Yevgeny Bonver)

[9]Pushkin A. S. Madonna (Translation by Tatiana Claudy)

[10]Translation by Tatiana Claudy

[11]Alexander Pushkin, “The Monument” (“Exegi Monumentum”)

Visas for Russia (Most foreigners need visas to visit Russia.)

The Summer Garden (Free admission, closed on Tuesdays)

Alexander Pushkin’s Museum and Memorial Apartment (The Moyka River embankment, 12; closed on Wednesdays; adult ticket is $4, photo or video permission – $4; Audio-guide is available in English, French, German, and Italian).

Church of the Savior Not Made by Human Hand

Recommended Reading:

Collection of Poems by Alexander Pushkin

Alexander Pushkin’s Biography

Natalia Goncharova wife of Pushkin

Recommended Theaters Performing Operas Based on Pushkin’s Poetry:

Mariinsky Theatre

Mikhailovsky Theatre

All photos by Tatiana Claudy

• Pushkin Monument in the courtyard of Pushkin’s Memorial Apartment
• The Neva River embankment
• The Summer Garden
• Pushkin’s Study in Pushkin’s Memorial Apartment
• The Staircase in Pushkin’s Memorial Apartment
• The Church of the Savior Not Made by Human Hand

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .