During the Great Patriotic War in besieged Leningrad, radio was practically the only, and certainly the most important means of alerting citizens. But the programs did not go around the clock, and when the broadcast was silent, the sound of a working metronome was broadcast. Although this may seem strange today, nevertheless, the reasons for such a decision were very serious.
What the metronome sound meant
A modern person is connected with the outside world by many information "arteries" - this is constant round-the-clock, often unlimited, access to the Internet, and a cell phone, and television, and various print media, some of which appear in your mailbox, whether you like it or not. … But in Soviet times, there was nothing like that. The main source of information was radio.
People in besieged Leningrad were, in fact, cut off from the country. Supplies and communications were irregular, it was very dangerous. The situation was critical, anything could happen at any moment, and although people believed in the best, there were enough reasons for fears. It is difficult even to imagine what people had to endure during the blockade.
In order to honor the memory of the heroes of the blockade and remind everyone else about this difficult time, in St. Petersburg on May 9, all television and radio companies broadcast the sound of a metronome for several minutes.
In besieged Leningrad, a working radio meant that it was not over yet, that there was still hope. For people who did not turn off the radio, the sound of a working metronome was like the beating of the country's heart: since it has not subsided yet, then this must continue to hold on and not give up hope. This even and very simple sound calmed people down a bit, allowed them to feel at least some confidence.
The metronome broadcast had a technical meaning as well. First, this sound was transmitted to check if there was a connection. Secondly, it was needed to warn the population about air strikes and shelling. The 50 beats per minute meant that you didn't have to worry, and now everything is calm. But 150 beats per minute not only sounded too fast and alarming, but also warned of raids.
Metronome in memories and creativity
The image of the metronome acts not only as the main distinguishing feature of the blockade, but also as something sacred, inviolable. The radio, through the incessant beat of the metronome, connected people, even when the voice of the announcer fell silent.
References to the sound of the metronome can be found in many works of art created by people during the siege, especially in poetry. In general, radio, as the main thread connecting people with the world, is very clearly present in the poems of the blockade period of such outstanding poets as O. Berggolts, G. Semenova, S. Botvinnik, V. Inber and others.
The way people perceived the metronome during the war can be best described by citing the lines of V. Azarov:
“In the darkness it seemed: the city was empty;
From loud mouthpieces - not a word, But the pulse was beating relentlessly
Familiar, measured, forever new."
