“Taper” is the story of Alexander Kuprin, published in 1900. The work is dedicated to art and a simple case, which may turn out to be crucial in the life of a young talented person.
Rudnev House
“Taper” is a story from the life of one wealthy Moscow family. The Rudnev’s house is often full of guests. Both neighbors without warning and distant relatives, hitherto unknown to the owners, come here. As well as cadets, gymnasium students and cadets with students. The owner of the hospitable house has two sons and three daughters. Kuprin’s story “Taper” begins with a story about the noisy and carefree lifestyle of the characters. The festive mood in the family is usually set by the owner of a dilapidated and ancient building - Arkady Nikolaevich.
The sons and spouses of the hero are barely mentioned. Rudnev’s daughters, by contrast, are central characters.
Arkady Nikolaevich
This hero is a good-natured idle man who does not often go home, preferring to spend most of his time playing cards. Arkady Nikolayevich is not particularly circumspect in matters. He loves ballet and does not deprive his spouse of the grounds for excruciating and secret jealousy. In addition, mortgages or mortgages property every now and then. However, financial troubles do not prevent Rudnev from morning to evening turning in high society and after organizing big winnings to organize entertainment programs for children.
Daughters
The story “Taper” is a small work that talks about the next upcoming holiday in the Rudnev’s house. The family has three daughters: Tina, Tanya and Lida. Lida is arrogant and cold. Tatyana is distinguished by kindness and gentleness. And the youngest - Tina - is an unusually fervent creature. In anticipation of the holiday, in the morning she arranges a stir in the house. What is the cause of the noise the girl makes?
The fact is that the story takes place at the end of the nineteenth century. In those days, in wealthy metropolitan houses, it was customary to hire musicians for all kinds of entertainment events. This tradition was followed by the inhabitants of the Rudnevs house. However, on the day when the events of the story take place, they did not have time to order a piano player. A holiday cannot take place without musical accompaniment. And therefore, not only Dina, but also Tatyana, and the housekeeper of the Olympics, Savichna, and even Luka's valet are in a panic. Where to find a musician? And whose fault was such a serious omission? The conflict is settled by Tatyana Nikolaevna - the sister of the owner of the house. This cheerful, good-natured blonde sends the maid Dunyasha in search of a taper.
Young musician
The internal strife, it would seem, is settled. However, the guests arrive, and neither Dunyashi nor the musician. The sisters are in despair. Tina burns with impatient anxiety. But suddenly, finally, a maid appears. The girl brought the taper, but still slightly confused.
Before proceeding with a further retelling, a few words should be said about the features of the profession of a hired pianist in the nineteenth century.
Taper is a low-level musician. Representatives of this profession were in demand before the appearance of sound cinema. They played, as a rule, on a bad upset instrument. The task of the tappers was to create a semblance of musical background. The role of an artist of this level was often played by a middle-aged and not quite successful performer. And therefore it is not surprising that when the sisters, accompanied by Dunyasha, dressed in the uniform of a real school, the sisters were incredibly surprised.
The musician was called Yuri Azagarov. Lida began to "examine" the lad, asking him questions about the repertoire. Tatyana reacted favorably to the young taper and invited the boy to demonstrate musical abilities. What was the surprise of the owners and guests of the house when the gymnasium began to play ...
He performed famous musical works, while doing this at a high professional level. Hearing the sounds of the piano, an amazed Arkady Nikolayevich came out of his office.
The appearance of Rubinstein
Why is the story called “Taper”? After all, Azagarov’s game was significantly higher than the abilities of an ordinary representative of this profession. The narrative in Kuprin's work is built on contrast. On the one hand, the rich and carefree life of the Rudnevs is depicted. On the other - the fate of a young genius who, instead of studying, is forced to earn his bread.
The denouement of the story is the appearance in the house of the famous composer. The Rudnev’s house was visited by Anton Rubinstein himself . The great musician listened to the game of the young pianist and was amazed. Yur Azagarov left the house of Arkady Nikolaevich along with Rubinstein. And later, years later, he became a famous composer.
“Taper” is a story about the fateful meeting of a young musician with a world famous pianist. However, Azagarov, unlike Rubinstein, is a fictional character. Kuprin must have come up with this Christmas story in order to inspire readers with the belief that true talent will certainly be appreciated.