Development of Piano Ensemble Genre in Cultural and Historical Discourse

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to highlight the piano ensemble genre in the cultural and historical discourse in the process of its formation and development. The research is aimed to trace the gradual dynamics of the genre in accordance with the historical process; to identify the main modifications in the ensemble genre and mastering its evolution. The research methodology is the conceptual provisions of the genre theory; the main provisions of system-analytical, art historical and comparative approaches as a methodological basis for the study of ensemble genres. The scientific novelty of the results obtained lies in that for the first time in Ukrainian musicology an attempt has been made to systematise the dynamics of the development of the piano ensemble genre in the context of its substantive and quantitative content in accordance with the instrumental and quantitative composition. The evolution of the piano ensemble genre in the unity of mono-timbral and multi-clavier modifications has been traced. Conclusion. The result of the study is a clearly structured system of ensemble performance, taking into account its socio-cultural significance in accordance with the historical continuum of its existence. It is noted that in the XX century, the piano duet (ensemble for one and two pianos in four hands) became the leading genre of piano ensemble performance. It is these duets (with the denial of a clear leader) that dominate the professional duet scene in the twentieth century. There is a tendency of the authors to equalise the parts in figurative, technical, and thematic terms. The specific features of different types of piano ensembles are noted, and the specificity of their content load is revealed.

Key words: piano ensemble, piano duet, two- and multi-piano ensemble.