DOI: 10.36871/hon.202104017
Authors
Zhao Huaichao
Russian State Specialized Academy of Arts, Moscow, Russian Federation
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the second notebook of the vocal and choral cycle "Sichuan Elegies" by Nikolai Sidelnikov, based on the poems by the VIIIth century Chinese poet Du Fu. The work reveals the stylistic constants of the composer's work. It is emphasized that though N. Sidelnikov does not strive for stylization, the use of special musical means gives the composition a specific Chinese flavor. This is manifested both in the choice of instruments and in the reliance on pentatonics, which consists of two trichordal chants-monograms, sounding in different combinations and becoming the leitintonations of the cycle. It is noted that the expansion of the instrumental composition influenced the increase in the role of episodes without chorus, which was expressed through the introduction of independent instrumental parts, as well as developed introductions and conclusions. In some cases, the composer uses tonal writing, highlighting it with key signs, while some numbers are rather tonic, emphasizing the reliance on the sustained bass pedals. Dramatic episodes are saturated with signs of expressive writing — polytonal overlays, chromaticisms and passages with increased and decreased intervals. The dramaturgy of the composition is formed thanks to thematic roll calls and reprise inclusions that form subcycles.
Keywords
Chinese colour, pentatonics, trichordal chants, monogram, flute, ostinateness, subcycle
