The role of vocal and instrumental ensembles in the evolution of the song genre in Soviet music of the 1960s–1980s

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of the vocal­instrumental ensemble (VIA) and its role in the development of the song genre in Russian musical culture from the moment the VIA appeared until the end of the Soviet period in art. The relevance of the topic is based on the need to adequately assess the patterns of development of mass music of the Soviet period — that was ideologically ambiguous and gave rise to musical phenomena of various cultural values. The purpose of the article is to determine the influence of VIA on the evolution of the song genre in the 1960–1980s. The methodology of the article is based on the systemic and historical approach. As a result of the study, it was shown that during the indicated period, the activities of vocal and instrumental ensembles played an important role in the development of domestic song culture, contributing to the active broadcast of song genres. Two main factors that determined the specifics of song creativity in the field of VIA are marked out: 1) the search for new forms, techniques, ways of musical expression that would meet sociocultural needs of listeners and rely on the best traditions of domestic music; 2) the influence of Western culture with its searches in the field of electronic instruments, jazz, disco, techno, rock and pop music, mass production and commercialization of art.