Page "Elizabeth of Russia" Paragraph 39

The other court pastimes most enjoyed by Elizabeth and therefore most revered in Court were theatre, music, and architecture.

The Empress ’ s had a longstanding love of theatre and had a stage erected in the palace to enjoy the countless performances she sanctioned.

Though countless domestic and foreign works were shown, the French plays quickly became the most popular, often being performed twice a week.

In tandem with Elizabeth ’ s love of theatre, music came to be of high importance in Court.

Many attribute its popularity to Elizabeth ’ s relationship with Alexei Razumovsky, a Ukrainian Cossack and the supposed husband of the Empress, who reportedly relished music.

Regardless of the reasoning behind its introduction, Elizabeth transformed “ her court into the country ’ s leading musical center .” She would spare no expense in its regard, importing leading musical talents from Germany, France, and Italy.

As to the Empress ’ s love of architecture, she financed many construction projects during her reign.

Her most famous creations were the Winter Palace, which she commissioned and oversaw the construction of but died before its completion, and the Smolny Convent.

The Convent, built when Elizabeth considered becoming a nun, was one of the many religious buildings erected at her behest and on her ( the nation ’ s ) dime.

According to Robert Nisbet Bain, “ No other Russian sovereign ever erected so many churches .”