nothing, absolutely nothing will ever surpass the romantic Russian classical era — so, I’m inclined to keep an open mind regarding the dynamics of Russian culture
This guy brings it together -
https://www.amazon.com/Natashas-Dance-Cultural-History-Russia/dp/0312421958
TLDR version - Russians can be brilliant while consistently being huge PITBs. Especially to each other.
In modern times (post 1960’s-1970’s?) however the creative “spark” seems to be gone.