Moscow, Russian RSFSR, 1965

After years of dedication to his craft, composer G. Sviridov had been given one of the most prestigious assignments of his career: creating the opening theme for Vremya, the Soviet Union’s national news program. Despite his experience, the weight of the commission bore down on him.

He sat hunched over his desk, endlessly sketching musical notations on worn sheets of paper. Hours had passed, yet inspiration remained elusive. Frustration mounted, and a quiet sense of desperation began to take hold.

“Hmmmmmmm…”