Andrey's Friend Comments

Natalia wrote: "Dear Andrey, How great of you to do what you do. Your message got me curious enough to do a quick search on English translations of these Russian poets. As a native Russian speaker, (or should I s..."

Thank you! I've very glad you enjoyed my work. I've started translating as a mere hobby, never did I think that one day I would have others who find it valuable. I do think that Russian poetry is poorly represented in the English-speaking world and I'm happy if my efforts can help to correct this a bit.

I never really know who will be next. It often feels like the poets find me. The last few I've done were of Okudjava's songs.

Dear Andrey, How great of you to do what you do. Your message got me curious enough to do a quick search on English translations of these Russian poets. As a native Russian speaker, (or should I say, a reader) I've never had to think about it. This really looks like an open field, which is so surprising.

I couldn't agree with you more, that the rhythm and melodies of these poems are just as important as the meaning. Especially Tsvetaeva and Achmatova. Our tough and open Russian phonetics are so different from English - it must be quite a challenge. Keep up a good work, and thank you for bringing out the best of our homeland.

Who is next? Achmadulina?

Lenka wrote: "Thanks for great translations! I like Anna Akhmatova but I haven't find many of her poems in Czech, I am really grateful for good English translations. It's good to see not every writer of Russian ..."

You're very welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed my work.

Thanks for great translations! I like Anna Akhmatova but I haven't find many of her poems in Czech, I am really grateful for good English translations. It's good to see not every writer of Russian origin sees translation as badly as Nabokov, keep the great work!

Aloha wrote: "Hi Andrey. Thank you for the friend invite. I will check out your website. One of my goals this year is to read Anna Akhmatova's work. I'm looking forward to reading some of your work."

Hi Aloha,

Thanks for getting back to me. She's an amazing poet, but I feel that she's very poorly represented in English. In my translations, I try to preserve her music and rhythm along with the meaning, which is a big part of what makes her so special. I hope you like my work. If you have any comments or suggestions, please reach out.

Thanks!

Hi Andrey. Thank you for the friend invite. I will check out your website. One of my goals this year is to read Anna Akhmatova's work. I'm looking forward to reading some of your work.