CHORAL CONCERTS OF STEPAN DEGTYAREVSKY – A VIVID EXAMPLE OF UKRAINIAN CLASSICISM (THE PROBLEM OF IMAGERY AND STYLE)

Abstract

Purpose of Research. The article investigates a series of spiritual choral concerts of S. Degtyarevsky, an outstanding Ukrainian and Russian composer of the end of the XVIII – the beginning of XIX century. Methodology. The analysis of image content of the compositional and stylistic features of the nine choral cycles are done. The other (about sixty) are not available). Scientific novelty. The author has determined that the creative heritage of the composer refers to Classicism. Degtyarevsky’s emotional music system has developed in two directions: 1) Ukrainian sacred music and song-romance Ukrainian folk music of the second half of the XVIII century; 2) the connection with the European trends such as Bortniansky, Vedel, Mozart, Sarti and others. The available choirs of S. Degtyarevsky are excellent models of professional skills and craftsmanship. Conclusions. The image content and character of the musical style of choral sacred music of S. Degtyarevsky are analysed.. Nine concerts of the composer (it is only a part of his legacy) returned to contemporary Ukrainian culture. Recently, the Kyiv Municipal Choir «Kyiv», headed by N. Gobdich, the People's Artist of Ukraine, has played them.