“Maidan – 2014” by Valentyn Silvestrov: Genre and Style Parameters of the Composition

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to identify the genre and style parameters of the choral composition “Maidan – 2014” by Valentyn Silvestrov. The research methodology is based on genre, style and intonation, as well as art history methods. The scientific novelty is determined by the study of the genre and style specifics of the “Maidan – 2014” by V. Silvestrov in the general context of the composer's work. For the first time, the object of study is the composer's understanding of the genre of “cycle of cycles”, which combines techniques that are typical for the traditions of both national and Western European musical cultures in a holistic artistic form. Conclusions. V. Silvestrov defines “Maidan – 2014” as a “cycle of cycles”. This definition emphasises the innovative nature of the monumental choral work. On the one hand, it is a holistic composition and, on the other, it is a cyclical construction that contains contrasting comparisons, end-to-end compositional “chains” and common principles of structuring at the level of isolated “small cycles”. Therefore, it seems appropriate to consider the dialectic of methods of combining and differentiating compositional components, which causes a constant “flow” and transition from one level of listening perception to another in the direction of forming the impression of a holistic artistic phenomenon. The “small” cycles are united into an entirety that can be interpreted in different ways. In a broad sense, each cycle reveals its image of the Maidan – Ukraine. Therefore, it can be stated that at the level of the content of the whole composition variability functions, and at the musical level – “fresco” dramaturgy, where a small cycle by various means shows the image of the highest generalisation – “symbol of Ukraine” and transforms specific historical events into timeless phenomena. Thus, the genre and style parameters of the work reveal the originality of Silvestrov`s artistic decisions and become a manifestation of his own “metamusical reflection” (Silvetrov’s expression), which opens new semantic horizons in the space of existing traditions, principles and rules.

Key words: Valentyn Silvestrov, “Maidan – 2014”, choral cycle, a’cappella choir, meditative style.