MAIN ACTIVITIES AND SPECIFICITY OF THE CONCERT REPERTOIRE OF MODERN RUSSIAN MILITARY BANDS

Abstract

The article examines the main trends in the development of the concert repertoire of modern Russian military bands. At the beginning of the 21st century, the complexity and multidimensionality of military band art is obvious. Modern bands perform the task of providing music for military rituals, state, political, public, cultural and sports events, and take part in concerts and festivals. In this aspect, the issues of adapting music of various genres and directions for a brass band performance are of particular relevance. In the post-Soviet period, military bands retained their value guidelines. At the same time, they not only preserve traditions but also develop them in new conditions. In Russia, military bands are the most widespread musical embodiment of military culture, as well as an important element of military infrastructure which helps maintain morale. Currently, as before, they are widely used as a propaganda tool, including during public events. The article notes the variety of directions in the development of military band repertoire. In this context, it is important for the author to consider the main factors in the formation of the repertoire of the Central Military Band of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The band’s repertoire range is extremely wide — from works of Russian and foreign classics to music by contemporary composers. The recognized reference sound recording of the Russian National Anthem was made by this band. Moreover, the study of the repertoire of educational groups seems significant. The band of the Valery Khalilov Moscow Suvorov Military Music College consists of young Suvorov students; nevertheless, despite the age of the musicians, it is a highly professional group that has demonstrated its performing skills not only in Russia but throughout the world. In conclusion, the significance of directions for actualizing the creative activity of modern military bands and the importance of studying the art of arrangement, which makes it possible to create adaptive forms of presenting historical memory, are noted. The preservation of the traditions of performing academic music is a crucial role of military bands. The concert activity of modern military bands, as a tool for adapting music of various styles to traditional for military culture performance conditions, seems to be an important way of transfering musical culture values in situations of social change.