Victor Reva creative activity in the context of the development of the musical culture of South-Eastern Ukraine of the end of the XX – the beginning of the XXI centuries

The purpose of the article is to analyze the creative activity of a member of the National Union of Composers of Ukraine, choral conductor, teacher Viktor Yakovlevich Reva. The methodology consists of the application of genre-style, structural-semantic, analytical and biographical methods for the analysis of the artist’s creative activity. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukrainian art history, the compositional, scientific-pedagogical, and performing acts of V. Reva in the context of the development of musical culture of South-Eastern Ukraine of the end of the XX - the beginning of the XXI century is analyzed. Conclusions. At the turn of the XX - XXI centuries. V. Reva’s creative activity enriched the musical culture of South-Eastern Ukraine. The composer’s works are included in the repertoire of creative groups and performers from Kyiv, Odessa, Mykolayiv, Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions, they are used not only as a concert, but also as educational material. The influence of both classical musical heritage and modern stylistic trends can be traced in V. Reva’s compositional work. The artist’s compositional work is genre-diverse, but the spread of his work and enrichment of knowledge about it is mainly due to the appeal to choral and vocal genres, which are a priority. Keywords: Victor Reva, composer, creative activity, musical culture of South-Eastern Ukraine

‘Becoming the song’: Alice Parker, community singing and unlearning choral strictures

This article conveys research about participatory community singing that I explore through various lenses. I present thoughts and reflections from my interview with Alice Parker, who has many years of experience leading community singing events as well as ethnographic data collected from a monthly community singing event in the American Midwest. I analyse these data through the lens of a ‘traditional’ choral conductor who, prior to undertaking this investigation, had little knowledge about participatory singing traditions; I also utilize scholarship on the differences between participatory and performative music activities. In our interview, Ms Parker drew on many years of experience in both areas to provide touchstones for facilitating community singing events and also the distinct differences between these events and more traditional choral settings. Perhaps in reflecting on this dichotomy, facilitators of these two important forms of music making might learn from one another.

Meters of Ukrainian children's choral art: Eleonora Vinogradova (on the occasion of the 90th anniversary)

The purpose of the article is to analyze the creative activity of the outstanding representative of the national choral culture Eleonora Vinogradova. To substantiate the importance of the choral conductor's personality and its influence on the formation of modern children's choral performance. To outline the multifaceted activity of E. Vinogradova as a choral conductor, teacher, music, and public figure in the context of active universalism. Understand that the biography of a creative person is an expression of the most typical features of the era, its basic ideas, and is a reflection of historical and socio-cultural events. Methodology. Features of the biographical approach allow us to explore the artist's biography as a way of reconstructing the cultural-historical concept. A systematic chronological approach is being implemented. The scientific novelty lies in the expediency of research and replenishment of new facts of E. Vinogradova's biography from the point of view of the development of choral culture. An attempt was made to recreate for the first time, full of selfless work, the creative path of the artist with an awareness of the essential characteristics of a particular historical period, its culture. Conclusions. According to archival documents and other information sources, the process of formation and formation of professional principles, as well as stylistic features of E. Vinogradova's creative activity is analyzed. The leading sphere of creative activity is defined, namely, the activity of the choral conductor. It is emphasized that the outstanding choral conductor and teacher, the representative of the Kyiv conducting and choral school Eleonora Vinogradova is an active participant of the Ukrainian artistic life with high professional potential. The high cultural potential of the universal creative personality of the conductor-teacher in the processes of formation and development of the national musical culture is proved.

Pedagogical narratives of choral conductor L. M. Venediktov

The purpose of the article is to consider the teaching activity of the professor of NMAU named after P. I. Tchaikovsky L. M. Venediktov, who in communication with students formed an understanding of the essence of creative personality in kinship with society, and the expression of their own vision of artistic paths and civilizational progress of society contributed to the rapid development of culture by future generations of creative youth. The methodology is related to the use of pedagogical narrative technologies, from the point of view of activating the creative potential of higher education students, focusing on the threefold connection of language, communication, and social component, focuses not only on the logical presentation of events but also in a certain state of society. Scientific novelty. For the first time the teaching activity in the context of the theory of historical and psychological narrative is considered, the pedagogical school of the teacher is analyzed as a way of systematization by the individual of historical experience and its transfer to students on the basis of the psychological narrative. The diversity of the teacher's efforts in combining language content of different levels of orientation is revealed: intellectual, emotional, sensory, visual, etc. Conclusions. The features of psychological, historical, and biographical narrative concepts used by the teacher to achieve the professional and spiritual growth of his students are described. It was stated that the teaching activity of the outstanding Maestro was crowned by a whole galaxy of outstanding artists who now work in many countries of the world and in Ukraine.

The gesture enigma: Reconciling the prominence and insignificance of choral conductor gestures

Curious as to why conducting gesture are both acknowledged and ignored by choral singers, this article investigates the enigmatic nature of the act of conducting. Education and research are biased toward gestural aspects of the choral conductor role. At the same time, research shows that gestural skills rank strikingly low compared with other musical skills and interpersonal skills. This study endeavors to unpack this enigma, based on 40 interviews with choral singers and conductors in Norway and Sweden. Taking a phenomenological approach, analysis of the fieldwork reveals that singers are more aware of gesture when something out of the ordinary happens, is unclear, or is even particularly appealing. The enigmatic role of gesture is partly due to conceptual ambiguity—gestures are signals that conductors “do” as well as embody the integral conductor “being.” Moreover, four “enigma busting” contextual dimensions were found: complexity of the music, the irreplaceability of gestures in the specific situation, singers’ receptiveness to gestures, and the gestural proficiency of the conductor. The article points at some implications for education as well as future research.

HRYHORIY LEVCHENKO’S SCIENTIFIC AND CREATIVE WORKS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ARTISTIC LOCAL LORE DEVELOPMENT IN POLTAVA REGION

In the context of Ukraine's integration into the European space, more and more Ukrainian scholars pay attention in their scientific research to the local lore component of the study of various spheres of Ukrainian culture, more often raise issues of national culture and people's attitude to their historical heritage. The artistic life of a particular region, which has its peculiarities and traditions, becomes of interest not only as a component of the general culture of Ukraine but also as a part of European culture. We believe that the high value of contemporary artists’ contribution to the development of the artistic culture of Poltava region is one of the most pressing issues today. Among the outstanding names in Poltava, one of the honorary places is occupied by Hryhoriy Semenovych Levchenko, who is the Ukrainian choral conductor, a composer, a music teacher, a professor, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine, Honored Artist of Ukraine, a founder and an artistic director of the Ukrainian Folk Choir "Kalyna" of Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University. The article considers the path of Hryhoriy Levchenko’s personal and professional development. It is determined that an important factor in shaping his personality was the national-aesthetic environment of his homeland, along with an early acquaintance with music culture, education in various educational institutions (including music ones), the influence of his teachers, educators, and persistent systematic work. It is proved that H. Levchenko combines high professionalism, active civil position, bright national self-identification, incredible diligence, a wide range of moral qualities, spirituality in his artistic and professional activity, which is an indisputable example for a great number of students and followers. It is determined that the scientific-creative and pedagogical-educational components of Hryhoriy Levchenko’s artistic and pedagogical activity are aimed at training future teachers not only in the field of art but also at forming future specialists in the field of natural sciences, etc. In their pedagogical practice, they will contribute to a better understanding of the Ukrainian cultural heritage and the development of cultural cooperation with other countries; preserving and increasing of our region traditions; will be capable of national self-awareness, moral and patriotic upbringing of the young generation, which is an important basis for the formation of a highly spiritual pedagogical elite of Poltava region.

Viacheslav Palkin: the road to success (dedicated to the 85th anniversary of his birth)

Problem statement. One of the most important directions of modern choral studies is the research on the life and creative path of outstanding choirmasters, while understanding their performing experience, pedagogical approaches and taking into account their aesthetic and artistic beliefs. One of the most honorable places among artists is occupied by Viacheslav Palkin (1935–2008), who contributed greatly to the development and prosperity of both, the choral culture of Slobozhanshchyna and Ukraine. The relevance of topic lies in the necessity to study the creative experience of the remarkable choral conductor V. S. Palkin, to understand the contribution of the luminary of the Kharkiv conducting and choral school to the development of national art. Theoretical background includes the articles of O. Batovska (2005), H. Parfonova (2008) and the thesis of H. Savelieva (2012), N. Bielik(2007), which examines Palkin’s pedagogical approaches, his achievements as the head of the Choral Conducting Department of the Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky Institute of Arts, as well as the performing style of the Сhamber Сhoir led by him as an artistic director and choirmaster. Other sources of study embody the materials of the national conference, methodological works and articles by V. S. Palkin collected and published in I. Palkin’s book “Viacheslav Palkin. By the roads of choral art” (2011). The objective of the work is to define a periodization of Palkin’s life and career to identify the stages of his professional growth to the crowning achievements at the height of his creative career. The research methodology lies in the application of the principles of historicism, phenomenological and acmeocentric approaches, biographical method and the method of typological analysis. The periodization of the life and career of the distinguished choral conductor, teacher and educator V. S. Palkin is presented for the first time in art studies. Conclusions. The analysis of V. Palkin’s life and career resulted in the periodization. The following criteria were taken into account: biographical, geographical, evolutionary-performing and age-specific. The first period (1935–1951) covers childhood, the second one (1951–1960) represents his years of education. This period is characterized by his desire to comprehend and embrace all the subtleties of choir conducting. The third stage (1960–1978) is the accumulation of choirmaster, pedagogical, and life experience. The fourth one (1978–2008) is the culmination of the master’s life and career, his finest hour and acme phase, when he created a chamber choir, which reached the highest level of choral art under his leadership. It was established that choirs led by V. Palkin reflect changes in his artistic career path. The four stages reflect the evolution of the artist as a conductorinterpreter, organizer and leader of numerous choral groups, teacher and educator.

Opera and Choral Performance in Mykhailo Krechko’s Work

The article considers some aspects of opera and choral performance on the example of analysis of the theatrical period of creativity of one of the prominent figures of Ukrainian choral culture, founder of the choir of the State Children’s Musical Theater — People’s Artist of Ukraine, Professor Mykhailo Krechko (1925–1996). M. Krechko as the first chief choirmaster of the theater built his individual principles of work and theatrical traditions inherent in such a unique opera choir. SCMT is the second in the world and the only professional opera and ballet theater in Ukraine for children and youth).The established traditions and peculiarities of the choir’s work in SCMT are analyzed, based on the repertoire of the newly created Theater and the genre range of performances of choir artists (opera, ballet, musical, cantata and oratorio works, a cappella music performance).Formulation of the problem in general. The relevance of the chosen subject is due to the lack of basic scientific research into the life and work of the famous Ukrainian choral conductor M. Krechko. This is the first comprehensive appeal to the activities of an outstanding master of choral work, active propagandist and collector of folk songs, composer, publicist, teacher and music and public figure, who devoted his entire creative life to the development of national choral culture. A separate task is to study and analyze the basis of the traditions of opera and choral performance initiated by M. Krechko during his work at the State Children’s Musical Theater. Also, it is important to systematically study the methodology and means of educating opera choristers on the example of the work of M. Krechko. Analysis of research and publications to solve the problem. General characteristics of the life and work of Mikhail Krechko are examined in the works of O. Bench-Shokalo, M. Kravchuk, A. Lashchenko, L. Mokanu. The issues of choir and opera choir are analyzed in the works of L. Butenko, O. Letychevska, B. Pokrovsky, K. Pigrov, P. Chesnokov, which explores the functioning of the choir and the nuances of managing this process, as well as the work of specialists in the opera house.The problem of the specifics of M. Krechko’s work with the opera choir was not raised in the scientific literature, which determined the relevance of this article. The research materials of the archive of the “Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theater for Children and Youth” — programs of performances and concerts, reviews; family archival materials of the Krechko family; publications by M. Krechko and devoted to the work of M. Krechko (booklets, articles in newspapers and magazines, author’s books and reference books). Also, below are a number of personal conclusions of the author of the article while working as a choir artist under the direction of M. Krechko.The purpose of the article is to study the life and work of M. Krechko as an opera choirmaster, his methodology and practical implementation of the multitasking of choir artists in a wide range of synthesis of arts in the opera house.Conclusions and prospects for further exploration in this direction. The article explores for the first time the theme of opera and choral performance in the works of the outstanding Ukrainian choirmaster — People's Artist of Ukraine, Professor Mykhailo Krechko. The above facts from archival materials and analysis of the maestro's artistic activity allow to learn more about the master's contribution to the choral art of Ukraine and its important role in the formation of the vector of development of the State Children's Musical Theater. Emphasis is placed on the specifics and universalism of the theatrical choir. Summarizing all the above, we can say that the modern creative life of the choir Kyiv Municipal Academic Opera and Ballet Theater for Children and Youth is fundamentally based on the high artistic principles laid down by the founder of the choir — Mykhailo Krechko. The Maestro’s great love for the Theater Choir, which he called his “swan song”, high performing skills and a wide range of genres of repertoire, education of followers and like-minded people, and deep traditions established by the choirmaster are a strong foundation and guide to new artistic victories.

I. G. AGAFONNIKOV — PORTRAIT OF A CONDUCTOR AND TEACHER

The article presents a portrait of the outstanding choral conductor and teacher Igor Germanovich Agafonnikov (1932–2005) and highlights his pedagogical principles and methodological guidelines. The main feature of Agafonnikov's pedagogical style is the ability to create an atmosphere of special trust and respect towards students. It is pointed out the continuity of his pedagogical work with the historic traditions of Russian choral school represented by his mentors: Evstolia Nikolaevna Zvereva in the School at the Moscow State Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky and Vasily Petrovich Mukhin at the Moscow Conservatory. The author considers the main provisions of I. G. Agafonnikov's methodological work "Reflections on Choirmaster Training in the Middle Level of Musical Education", which fully reflects the fundamental principles of the teacher-conductor. Characteristic features of his individual pedagogical style, based on the liberal-democratic and tolerant methods of students' education under constant activity of all participants of the pedagogical process, are summarized. The professor's methodological approach to the work with students and the choir is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the rehearsal process, in which the conductor encourages the singers to perform consciously and meaningfully.