A.I. Ziloti’s Educational Activity in St. Petersburg (According to Unpublished Correspondence Materials)

Abstract

Collections of Russian libraries contain unique letters of pianist, teacher and conductor A.I. Ziloti (1863—1945). They demonstrate one of the facets of his talent as a musical public figure and educator. The correspondence of A.I. Ziloti with town governors is a unique phenomenon not only in his creative heritage, but also in the history of musical culture. The letters help to understand the musician’s worldview, artistic views, creative principles, giving as well a description of the cultural and historical context of the early 20th century period. The article aims to convey the importance of A.I. Ziloti’s correspondence for educational activities organization in St. Petersburg. The article identifies the letters’ specificity and studies A.I. Ziloti’s handwriting. For the first time, there are published his petitions addressed to the Director of the Imperial Thea­ters V.A. Telyakovsky and St. Petersburg town governors. The scientific analysis’ objectivity, connec­ted with comprehension of the value significance of A.I. Ziloti’s cultural ideas, requires to recognize the results of his musical and educational activities as his main achievements. Being an outstanding musician and teacher, A.I. Ziloti remains in the history of Russian culture, primarily, as a representative of musical education.