Music of the Repressed Russian Avant-Garde (1900-1929): Contributions to the Study

The Russian avant-garde movement of the early 20th century was a vibrant and innovative period in Russian art, literature, and music. However, the music of the Russian avant-garde was often met with hostility and censorship by the Soviet government, and many of its leading figures were forced into exile or silence. As a result, the music of the Russian avant-garde has remained relatively unknown outside of Russia.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the music of the Russian avant-garde, and a number of scholars have begun to explore its history and significance. This article provides an overview of the music of the Russian avant-garde, focusing on its major figures, key works, and its contributions to the study of music.

The Russian avant-garde emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the traditionalism and conservatism of the Russian art establishment. Avant-garde artists and musicians sought to break free from the conventions of the past and to create new and innovative forms of art.

Music of the Repressed Russian Avant-Garde, 1900-1929 (Contributions to the Study of Music & Dance Book 31)

by Larry Sitsky

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Language	:	English
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The Russian avant-garde was particularly influenced by the Futurist movement in Italy, which emphasized the importance of speed, technology, and urban life. Russian avant-garde artists and musicians also drew inspiration from other avant-garde movements, such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Dadaism.

The Russian avant-garde flourished during the early years of the Soviet Union. However, the government's increasing control over the arts led to a crackdown on avant-garde art and music. Many avant-garde artists and musicians were forced into exile or silence, and the avant-garde movement was effectively suppressed.

The music of the Russian avant-garde was produced by a wide range of composers, including Alexander Scriabin, Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, and Dmitri Shostakovich. These composers experimented with new forms of musical expression, such as atonality, polytonality, and extended techniques.

Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) was one of the most important figures in the Russian avant-garde. He experimented with new harmonic and melodic structures, and he developed a unique system of musical thought that he called "mystic theosophy." Scriabin's music is often characterized by its emotional intensity and its use of exotic scales and harmonies.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was another major figure in the Russian avant-garde. He is best known for his ballets, such as "The Firebird" (1910),"Petrushka" (1911),and "The Rite of Spring" (1913). Stravinsky's music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and its use of folk melodies and rhythms.

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a prolific composer who wrote in a wide range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets. Prokofiev's music is often characterized by its wit and its use of neoclassical forms.

Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was one of the most important composers of the 20th century. He wrote in a wide range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets. Shostakovich's music is often characterized by its complex and emotional intensity.

The music of the Russian avant-garde includes a number of important works, including:

• Alexander Scriabin's "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire" (1910) is a large-scale orchestral work that combines music, light, and color. The work is based on the myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity.
• Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" (1913) is a ballet that caused a riot at its premiere in Paris. The work is characterized by its use of primitive rhythms and its depiction of a pagan ritual.
• Sergei Prokofiev's "Symphony No. 1" (1917) is a powerful and energetic work that reflects the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
• Dmitri Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 5" (1937) is a complex and emotionally intense work that was written during the Stalinist era. The symphony is often interpreted as a statement of resistance to tyranny.

The music of the Russian avant-garde has made a significant contribution to the study of music. Avant-garde composers experimented with new forms of musical expression, and they challenged the traditional boundaries of music. Their work has helped to expand our understanding of what music can be.

The music of the Russian avant-garde has also been influential in the development of contemporary music. Many contemporary composers have drawn inspiration from the avant-garde, and their work continues to explore the possibilities of new musical forms.

The music of the Russian avant-garde is a fascinating and important body of work. Despite the challenges it faced, the avant-garde produced a number of important works that continue to be performed and studied today. The music of the Russian avant-garde has made a significant contribution to the study of music, and it continues to inspire contemporary composers.

• Orlova, Anna. "The Russian Avant-Garde: Theory and Criticism, 1902-1934." MIT Press, 2005.
• Taruskin, Richard. "Defining Russia Musically: Historical and Hermeneutical Essays." Princeton University Press, 1997.
• Volkov, Solomon. "Stravinsky and His Times." Knopf, 1973.

Music of the Repressed Russian Avant-Garde, 1900-1929 (Contributions to the Study of Music & Dance Book 31)

by Larry Sitsky

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7149 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	368 pages

FREE