Requiem for Akhmatova

Abstract

The research subject is a monumental semi-orchestral composition created by an outstanding Russian composer of the late 20th century Boris Tischenko “Requiem” with lyrics by A. Akhmatova. A funeral service over Akhmatova was read at the church of St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral in Leningrad on March 10, 1966. The score of the “Requiem” was finished on August 16, 1966. Thus, the composition with the lyrics by Akhmatova has become a tribute to her, a musical offering, and even the first monument not built with hands. The author gives special attention to the symphonic form of the “Requiem”, differences in the interpretations of the poetic theme in the works of Tischenko and Akhmatova, the role of the symphonic orchestra and the leading singers; the author also considers an important issue of a high-quality performance of the hardest scores created by Tischenko. The main conclusion of the research is the fact that Tischenko’s “Requiem” has become an important element in the process of renovation of Russian symphonic style of the 1960s - the 1970s. As a composition, written in a modern language, it has become one of the drivers of this renovation. As such, the composition is a vocal symphony, and the composer develops the symphonic form step-by-step. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the fact that it is the first work in Russian musicology to consider Tischenko’s “Requiem” in detail, to reveal the contensive aspect of the composition, and to analyze the difficulties of performing the composition. The author reasonably reckons the symphonic composition by Tischenko among the most significant pieces in the history of Russian music.