Mykola Koval in the history of vocal art in the Kharkiv region
Authors: Vietrov Oleksii 
Published: May 2023

Statement of the problem. People’s Artist of Ukraine Mykola Petrovych Koval (1946–2018) is a representative of the Kharkiv vocal school, which was established at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Possessing a wonderful dramatic baritone (bass-baritone) of rich timbre, he was a successor to the traditions of Italian bel canto that prevailed in the classes of prominent Kharkiv vocal teachers P. Holubiev, M. Mykhailov, T. Veske. The significance of the multifaceted work of this outstanding artist necessitates a systematic study of his music legacy, which has not yet been sufficiently researched. The only monographic study by Yu. Shchukina (2019) dedicated to the singer presents mostly biographical materials. The purpose of this article is to present a complete creative portrait of the singer and to characterize his performance style. The study of creativity and pedagogical activity of M. Koval using biographical and stylistic approaches allowed to identify the features of his individual style and to classify the latter according to the performance archetype (developed by O. Katrych, 2000), which is an innovative element of the work. Results and conclusions. The creative activity of M. Koval had a significant impact on the development of the The Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, where he had performed the main roles in almost all opera productions since 1974. His vocal practice was a model for the young singers who worked with him at the theater, and his performances as both an opera and concert singer had a wide public response, drawing attention to the activities of the Kharkiv Opera House far beyond the city. His repertoire included works of various vocal genres, in particular, in solo concerts he performed opera arias (from M. Mussorgsky’s “Borys Godunov”, G. Verdi’s “Otello” and “Rigoletto”, G. Puccini’s “Tosca”, O. Borodin’s “Prince Igor”, etc.), romances and songs by Ukrainian composers (P. Maiboroda, I. Shamo), and folk songs. The pedagogical activity of M. Koval, who worked at Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts, at the Solo Singing Department from 2002 to 2018, deserves further study. Today, his students work at The Mykola Lysenko Kharkiv Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, as well as in other Opera Houses and music schools in Ukraine, continuing the traditions of their Teacher. The analysis of M. Koval’s vocal and pedagogical work allows us to draw the following conclusions: – M. Koval’s individual style is characterized by a high vocal and artistic culture, in particular, a careful attitude to the word, clear expressive diction, a certain emotional restraint and balance (which makes him “the Apollo archetype” of the artist); deep psychologism in the interpretation of musical images, the brilliant embodiment of which is facilitated by his exceptional acting talent. – These features of the individual style also determined the formation of the singer’s pedagogical principles. The teacher often said that one should always sing with the soul, inspiration and frankly, “from the heart,” and that the music itself would help solve technical difficulties. Therefore, perfect vocal technique or voice volume is not an end in itself, but only a component. Technique and vocal can be learned, but the subtle reception of music cannot be learned; it is something that is given to people by nature. – In addition to his unique vocal and acting talent, exceptional diligence and perseverance were important factors that contributed to his successful career. – Thus, it can be confidently stated that an entire era of vocal, in particular opera, art in the Kharkiv region is associated with the name of M. Koval. After the master passed away, most of the performances in which he had sung the main roles were removed from the repertoire due to the lack of an artist of such a talent.