Original and Editions of the Opera “Taras Bulba” by M. Lysenko

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to establish the reasons for the editions’ creation of the opera “Taras Bulba” by M. Lysenko; analyze the differences between the author’s version and the options proposed by Revutskyi - Liatoshynskyi. After all, on the stage, the opera is performed being edited, in musicological literature (especially in recent years) the work is analyzed by the author’s piano (Z. Yuferova, L. Korniy), and scientific monographs of the Soviet-era provide either incorrect or semi-hidden information. The research methodology consists in a comparative textual analysis of the original score and editions of the work. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comparative characteristics of the author's version of M. Lysenko's opera "Taras Bulba" and several versions created by L. Revutskyi, B. Liatoshynskyi and M. Rylskyi. Conclusions. As a result of the research, the author concludes that the original of Lysenko’s opera differs in genre from the work’s editions, because the author has a certain synthesis of lyrical and psychological opera with features of comedic and heroic-patriotic folk drama. Revutskyi - Liatoshynskyi has a historical and patriotic opera. So, today it would be necessary to make another version of “Taras Bulba”, closer to the author’s one. Of course, this is not an easy task. The new editor will have to compare not only Lysenko’s manuscripts, but also different versions of Revutskyi - Liatoshynskyi. However, there must come a time when the genre of the first Ukrainian opera will not be defined by the derogatory word “posterity”. Especially since it contradicts the truth.