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Daniil RatgauzRussian poet, author of the words of several famous romances.
Date of Birth: 06.02.1868
Country:  Czech |
Content:
- Biography of Daniil Ratgauz
- Early Success and Patronage
- Literary Career and Reception
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of Daniil Ratgauz
Early Life and EducationDaniil Ratgauz was a Russian poet and the author of several well-known romances. He was born to Max Abramovich Ratgauz, an esteemed banker and honorary citizen. Ratgauz studied at a gymnasium in Kiev and later graduated from the law faculty at the University of St. Vladimir in Kiev in 1895. He worked as a sworn attorney.
Early Success and Patronage
Ratgauz's poetic career flourished under the patronage of Vasily Nemirovich-Danchenko. At the age of 24, Ratgauz sent his poems to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who composed six romances based on Ratgauz's lyrics. These compositions, including "We Sat Together by the Sleeping River" and "In This Moonlit Night," brought recognition to Ratgauz. Anton Chekhov also expressed his admiration for Ratgauz's romances in a personal letter to the poet in 1902.
Literary Career and Reception
Ratgauz published his first collection of poems in Kiev in 1893. His romances were also set to music by composers such as César Cui, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Reinhold Glière. Ratgauz actively contributed to various literary endeavors, sending his poems to composers and anthology editors. Despite his efforts, Ratgauz received predominantly negative reviews from critics who criticized his use of cliches and sentimental expressions. Valery Bryusov described Ratgauz as a "poet of banalities."
Later Life and Legacy
Ratgauz continued to write and publish extensively, striving for recognition. He released several books of poetry, including a three-volume "Complete Collection of Poems" in 1896-1917. However, these works did not receive widespread acclaim. Ratgauz's daughter, Tatyana Danilovna, also became a poet and an actress. In later years, Ratgauz lived in Moscow, Kiev, Berlin, and Prague, where he passed away in 1925. Despite the mixed reception during his lifetime, Ratgauz's works continued to be studied and appreciated by scholars.
