Boris Hmyria as an Outstanding Interpreter of Heroic Characters in the Ukrainian Opera Repertoire

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the performing creativity of Borys Hmyria in the context of interpreting the artistic characters of Ukrainian opera repertoire. The research methodology is based on the following methods: analysis of B. Hmyria’s vocal and figurative sphere, which allowed us to explore the principles of interpretive approaches; synthesis, which contributes to the comprehension of the singer’s essential views on working with the artistic character. In the process of searching and analyzing the relevant literature, the music-theoretical and source studies methods were applied. To substantiate the conclusions, the comparative-analytical method was used, which together made it possible to study the process of the creative and performing activity in a certain dynamics and chronological sequence. The scientific novelty of the research is to study the individual artistic interpretation of the Ukrainian opera repertoire in the context of understanding the meaning of national self-identification through the search for a historically and psychologically true image of the national hero, combining human traits close to the listener and philosophical generalization. Conclusions. The study of professional experience, immersion methods in the artistic character, and the use of expressive performing elements of such an outstanding master as B. Hmyria are important means of preserving national performing traditions and improving the professional skills of young singers. B. Hmyrya’s views on the search for the inner meaning of the character demonstrate an intellectual and analytical approach and true professional depth. The heroic characters of the Ukrainian Cossacks were especially close to the singer because he drew inspiration while working on them from the national history, culture, and traditions, which the master plunged with great interest and sincerity. It was important for B. Hmyria that the viewer who came to the theater saw on the stage a close to him, humane and at the same time heroic and epic character, which thanks to art rises to a high level of philosophical generalization.