The composer interpretation of H. Skovoroda’s philosophical texts in O. Shchetinsky’s choral symphony “Uznai sebe” (“Know yourself”)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the specific features of the composer interpretation of H. Skovoroda’s philosophical and artistic ideas in O. Shchetinsky’s choral symphony «Uznai Sebe».The interest of contemporary composers in the sacred monody as the spiritual code of humanity has intensified in the last decades of the 20th century. This tendency demonstrates the possibility of a return of consciousness to religion and its influence on composer’s creativity. H. Skovoroda’s philosophical inheritance was reflected in the choral works of many Ukrainian composers, including O. Shchetinsky’s Choral Symphony «Uznai Sebe». Studying the composer interpretation of the works of this eminent philosopher is an urgent task, because it contributes to the establishment of artistic features of the national revival at the turn of the millennium.The research methodology. The study of verbal “score” and other sources is a prerequisite for the study of the music and philosophical cohesiveness of the choral symphony «Uznai Sebe» by O. Schetinsky at H. Skovoroda’s lyrics. This study is based on the system of philosophical, general scientific and especially scientific methods. Namely, the solution to the issue of decoding the philosophical and artistic contents of O. Shchetinsky’s choral symphony «Uznai Sebe» is based on the method of hermeneutical analysis.Results. The composer created an artifact that became a musical treatise, a choral libretto by philosopher H. Skovoroda in the genre of choral symphony. The main ideas of life and worldview of a Ukrainian genius are covered in this work. These traits made the choral symphony the work, which is relevant to the Ukrainian Baroque erudition and has become an analogue of the multidimensionality and comprehensiveness of self and world knowledge.The novelty of the research lies in the systematic study of the specific features of the composer interpretation of H. Skovoroda’s philosophical and artistic ideas in O. Shchetinsky’s choral symphony «Uznai Sebe».The practical significance. The results of the study can be applied in training courses of “History of Ukrainian Music”, “History of Choral Performance”, “Reading Choral Scores”, as well as in the training for the concert performance of O. Shchetinsky’s choral symphony «Uznai Sebe».