Creative activity of Valery Altukhov: the mission of the individual in the history of the kharkiv clarinet school
Authors: Petryk Vladyslav 
Published: September 2023

Statement of the problem is devoted to the study of the role of the outstanding clarinetist, teacher and founder of the Kharkiv Clarinet School, Valery Altukhov, in the development of musical heritage. The article examines in detail the creative activity of Valery Altukhov and his influence on the formation of the Kharkiv clarinet school. Special attention is paid to the study of the mission of Valery Altukhov’s personality and his influence on the history of this school. Analysis of recent research and publications. The research encompasses articles, scientific manuals by Valeriy Altukhov, interviews, personal recollections of students and family members, discussions, interviews, and masterclasses. Main objective of the study is to formulate the main guidelines of the author’s performing school of clarinet playing in Kharkiv based on the analysis of the creative personality of V. Altukhov. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that, for the first time, a comprehensive study of Valeriy Altukhov’s artistic work and his influence on the development of clarinet art in Ukraine and the establishment of the Kharkiv clarinet school has been conducted. The main principles and principles of Valeriy Altukhov’s creative method have been formulated. Methodology. To achieve the stated objective, a biographical, stylistic, and systemic approach was employed. The study utilized the methodological framework developed by the Department of Interpretology and Music Analysis of the Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts (in the aspect of phenomenology of specialness). Results. The presentation focuses on identifying Valeriy Altukhov’s personal mission and his role in the history of the Kharkiv clarinet school. His contribution to the education and training of a new generation of clarinetists is analyzed, as well as his active participation in musical events and educational activities. During the formation of the school, aspects such as technical training, development of expressive playing, and mastery of new contemporary techniques of clarinet playing and repertoire are considered. Conclusions. The analysis of Valeriy Altukhov’s creative activity has been conducted in the following directions: performing, scientific/methodological, pedagogical, and organizational/educational. The main positions of Valeriy Altukhov’s performing school have been summarized in terms of their interrelatedness and perspectives: Historical experience and rootedness in traditions: This is associated with a constellation of laureates from various international and nationwide competitions, which confirms the continuity of traditions within the «teacherstudent» system. High level of technical and ensemble mastery: Demonstrated by solo performers and orchestral musicians who have undergone a rigorous selection process and received education in Valeriy Altukhov’s class, enabling them to be competitive among representatives of other world schools. Study of diverse repertoire (classical and contemporary): It is an important component in the formation of comprehensive and relevant musical education, allowing the school to constantly evolve. As a result, Valeriy Altukhov’s clarinet school combines deep historical experience, tradition inheritance, high level of professional training, technical mastery, perspectives, and exploration of contemporary repertoire. These principles distinguish it as one of the oldest, representative, and successful clarinet schools in modern Ukraine. Based on the combination of pedagogical, educational, organizational, methodological, and scientific activities, the conclusion is drawn about the universalism of Valeriy Altukhov’s creative personality.