Formation of performance on string-plucked instruments in Kharkiv (based on periodicals of the mid-XIX — early XX centuries)
Authors: Bolshakova T. V. 
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this article is to learn the chronology of introduction in the musical-cultural way of life of Kharkiv of Western European and the Eastern European stringed instruments (zither, guitar, mandolin, balalaika, domra). The study of chronology is aimed at a more active introduction of the facts of use of string-plucked instruments in Kharkiv into the scientific circulation.

The methodology for writing this article is the combination of comparative, cultural and historical, musicological approaches and methods.

The result of scientific research of this article is demonstration of chronology of activities in Kharkiv of musicians-tourers, who were performers and teachers of play on the string-plucked instruments. The concert activity of amateur Kharkiv bands was analyzed. The mass implementation of ensembles and orchestras of guitarists — mandolinists — balalaika players in the early XX century is noted. Affinity of formation of such ensembles and orchestras in Kharkiv with Western European ensembles and orchestras is emphasized. The evolution of the development of amateur performance on string-plucked instruments in the largest cultural center of Slobozhanshchyna is traced. The number of names of musicians — tourers and local performers, teachers, heads of visiting professional and Kharkiv amateur groups of the late XIX and early XX centuries is entered into scientific circulation. The combination of Western European and local factors in the distribution and popularization of ensembles and orchestras of guitarists — mandolinists — balalaika players on the territory of Kharkiv was emphasized. Influence of Western European bands and tourers — performers on zither, guitar, mandolin on instillation and consolidation of local amateurs and, subsequently, the first professionals’ interest to the national folk string-plucked instruments is revealed. The increase in the popularity of string-plucked ensembles and orchestras among various social strata of Kharkiv society — apprenticeships, students, workers of various industries, Kharkiv intelligent environment is indicated. The mainly charitable activities of such string-plucked is emphasized. The repertoire of such groups is highlighted.

The scientific novelty. For the first time, a chronology of the activities of touring musicians — performers on zither, guitar, mandolin and teachers playing these and similar instruments is traced. The concert activity of amateur Kharkiv bands was highlighted and analyzed according to chronology, the mass implementation of ensembles and orchestras of guitarists — mandolinists — balalaika players in the early XX century is noted. The affinity of principles in the compositions of such collectives in Kharkiv with Western European ones is defined.

The practical significance of the article. The results of the study can be used in lecture courses on the history of folk instrumental performance, the history of the development of folk instruments in Slobozhanshchyna, the history of intercultural relations in the field of musical art.