Biography and work of Glinka (briefly). Glinka's works

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

M. I. Glinka's work marked a new historical stage in the development of musical culture - the classical one. He managed to combine the best European trends with national traditions. Attention deserves all the work of Glinka. Briefly characterize all the genres in which he worked fruitfully. First, these are his operas. They have acquired great significance, since they truly recreate the heroic events of past years. His romances are filled with special sensuality and beauty. Symphonic works are characterized by incredible picturesqueness. In the folk song, Glinka discovered an inexhaustible source of poetry and created a truly democratic national art.

Creativity and biography of Glinka. Childhood and youth

Born May 20, 1804. His childhood passed in the village of Novospasskoye. Fairy tales and songs of the nanny Avdotya Ivanovna were bright and memorable for a lifetime. He was always attracted by the sound of bell ringing, which he soon began to imitate on copper basins. He began to read early and was inquisitive by nature. The reading of the old edition "Onwanderings in general". It aroused a great interest in travel, geography, drawing and music. Before entering a noble boarding school, he took piano lessons and quickly succeeded in this difficult task.

In the winter of 1817 he was sent to St. Petersburg to a boarding school, where he spent four years. Studied with Bem and Field. The life and work of Glinka in the period from 1823 to 1830 were very eventful. From 1824 he visited the Caucasus, where he served until 1828 as assistant secretary of communications. From 1819 to 1828 he periodically visits his native Novospasskoye. After he meets new friends in St. Petersburg (P. Yushkov and D. Demidov). During this period he creates his first romances. This is:

• Elegy "Do not tempt me" to the words of Baratynsky.
• "Poor singer" lyrics by Zhukovsky.
• "I love you told me" and "It's bitter for me, bitter" to the words of Korsak.

Writes piano pieces, makes the first attempt to write the opera "A Life for the Tsar".

First trip abroad

In 1830 he went to Italy, on the way he was in Germany. It was his first trip abroad. He went here to improve his he alth and enjoy the surrounding nature of an unknown country. The impressions received gave him material for the oriental scenes of the opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila". He was in Italy until 1833, mostly in Milan.

Glinka's life and work in this country proceed successfully, easily and naturally. It's happening herehis acquaintance with the painter K. Bryullov, Moscow professor S. Shevyryaev. From composers - with Donizetti, Mendelssohn, Berlioz and others. In Milan at Riccordi's, he publishes some of his works.

In 1831-1832 he composed two serenades, a number of romances, Italian cavatinas, a sextet in the key of E-flat major. In aristocratic circles, he was known as Maestro russo.

In July 1833 he goes to Vienna, and then spends about six months in Berlin. Here he enriches his technical knowledge with the famous contrapuntalist Z. Den. Subsequently, under his leadership, he wrote the Russian Symphony. At this time, the composer's talent develops. Glinka's work becomes freer from other people's influence, he treats it more consciously. In his "Notes" he admits that all this time he was looking for his own way and style. Longing for his homeland, he thinks about how to write in Russian.

Homecoming

In the spring of 1834, Mikhail arrived in Novospasskoye. He thought to go abroad again, but decides to stay in his native land. In the summer of 1834 he went to Moscow. He meets Melgunov here and restores his former acquaintances with musical and literary circles. Among them are Aksakov, Verstovsky, Pogodin, Shevyrev. Glinka decided to create a Russian national opera. He took up the romantic opera Maryina Grove (based on Zhukovsky's plot). The composer's plan was not implemented, the sketches did not reach us.

In the autumn of 1834arrives in St. Petersburg, where he attends literary and amateurish circles. Once Zhukovsky suggested to him to take the plot of "Ivan Susanin". During this period of time, he composes such romances: "Don't call her heavenly", "Don't say, love will pass", "I just recognized you", "I'm here, Inezilla". In his personal life, a big event takes place - marriage. Along with this, he became interested in writing Russian opera. Personal experiences influenced Glinka's work, in particular the music of his opera. Initially, the composer planned to write a cantata consisting of three scenes. The first was to be called a rural scene, the second - Polish, the third - a solemn finale. But under the influence of Zhukovsky, he created a dramatic opera consisting of five acts.

The premiere of "A Life for the Tsar" took place on November 27, 1836. V. Odoevsky appreciated it at its true worth. Emperor Nicholas I gave Glinka a ring for 4,000 rubles for this. A couple of months later, he appointed him Kapellmeister. In 1839, for a number of reasons, Glinka resigned. During this period, fruitful creativity continues. Glinka Mikhail Ivanovich wrote such compositions: "Night Review", "Northern Star", another scene from "Ivan Susanin". He is accepted for a new opera based on the plot of "Ruslan and Lyudmila" on the advice of Shakhovsky. In November 1839 he divorced his wife. During his life with the "brethren" (1839-1841) creates a number of romances. The opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila" was a long-awaited event, tickets were sold out in advance. The premiere took place on November 27, 1842. Success wasstunning. After 53 performances, the opera was discontinued. The composer decided that his brainchild was underestimated, and apathy sets in. Glinka's work is suspended for a year.

Travel to distant countries

In the summer of 1843 he travels through Germany to Paris, where he stays until the spring of 1844.

Renews old acquaintances, befriends Berlioz. Glinka was impressed by his works. He studies his program writings. In Paris, he maintains friendly relations with Merimee, Hertz, Chateauneuf and many other musicians and writers. Then he visits Spain, where he lives for two years. He was in Andalusia, Granada, Valladolid, Madrid, Pamplona, Segovia. Composes "Jota of Aragon". Here he rests from the pressing problems of St. Petersburg. Walking around Spain, Mikhail Ivanovich collected folk songs and dances, wrote them down in a book. Some of them formed the basis of the work "Night in Madrid". From Glinka's letters it becomes obvious that in Spain he rests with his soul and heart, here he lives very well.

Last years of life

In July 1847 he returned to his homeland. Lives for a certain time in Novospasskoye. The work of Mikhail Glinka during this period is resumed with renewed vigor. He writes several piano pieces, the romance "You will soon forget me" and others. In the spring of 1848 he went to Warsaw and lived there until autumn. He writes for the orchestra "Kamarinskaya", "Night in Madrid", romances. In November 1848 he arrived in Petersburg,where he gets sick all winter.

In the spring of 1849 he again goes to Warsaw and lives there until the autumn of 1851. In July of this year, he fell ill, having received the sad news of the death of his mother. In September he returns to St. Petersburg, lives with his sister L. Shestakova. He rarely writes. In May 1852 he went to Paris and stayed here until May 1854. From 1854-1856 he lived in St. Petersburg with his sister. He is fond of Russian singer D. Leonova. He creates arrangements for her concerts. On April 27, 1856, he left for Berlin, where he settled in the neighborhood of Den. Every day he came to visit him and supervised classes in a strict style. Creativity M. I. Glinka could continue. But on the evening of January 9, 1857, he caught a cold. On February 3, Mikhail Ivanovich died.

What is Glinka's innovation?

M. I. Glinka created the Russian style in the art of music. He was the first composer in Russia who combined with the song warehouse (Russian folk) musical technique (this applies to melody, harmony, rhythm and counterpoint). The work of the composer Glinka contains quite vivid examples of such a plan. These are his folk musical drama "Life for the Tsar", the epic opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila". As an example of the Russian symphonic style, one can name "Kamarinskaya", "Prince of Kholmsky", overtures and intermissions to both of his operas. His romances are highly artistic examples of lyrically and dramatically expressed songs. Glinka is rightfully considered a classical master of world significance.

Symphonic creativity

The composer created a small number of works for the symphony orchestra. But their role in the history of musical art turned out to be so important that they are considered the basis of Russian classical symphonism. Almost all of them belong to the genre of fantasies or one-movement overtures. "Jota of Aragon", "W altz-Fantasy", "Kamarinskaya", "Prince Kholmsky" and "Night in Madrid" constitute Glinka's symphonic work. The composer laid down new principles of development.

The main features of his symphonic overtures:

• Availability.
• Generic programming principle.
• The uniqueness of forms.
• Conciseness, brevity of forms.
• Dependence on the overall artistic concept.

Glinka's symphonic work was successfully described by P. Tchaikovsky, comparing "Kamarinskaya" with oak and acorn. And he stressed that this work contains an entire Russian symphonic school.

Opera heritage of the composer

"Ivan Susanin" ("A Life for the Tsar") and "Ruslan and Lyudmila" constitute Glinka's operatic work. The first opera is a folk musical drama. It intertwines several genres. Firstly, it is a heroic-epic opera (the plot is based on the historical events of 1612). Secondly, it contains the features of an epic opera, lyrical-psychological and folk musical drama. If "Ivan Susanin"continues European trends, then "Ruslan and Lyudmila" is a new type of dramaturgy - epic.

It was written in 1842. The public could not appreciate it, it was incomprehensible to the majority. V. Stasov was one of the few critics who noticed its significance for the entire Russian musical culture. He emphasized that this was not just an unsuccessful opera, it was a new type of dramaturgy, completely unknown. Features of the opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila":

• Slow development.
• No direct conflicts.
• Romantic trends - colorful and picturesque.

Romances and songs

Glinka's vocal work was created by the composer throughout his life. He wrote over 70 romances. They embody a variety of feelings: love, sadness, emotional outburst, delight, disappointment, etc. Some of them depict pictures of everyday life and nature. Glinka is subject to all types of everyday romance. This is a ballad, a "Russian song", a serenade, an elegy. It also includes such everyday dances as w altz, polka and mazurka. The composer turns to genres that are characteristic of the music of other peoples. This is the Italian barcarolle and the Spanish bolero. The forms of romances are quite diverse: three-part, simple couplet, complex, rondo. Glinka's vocal work includes texts by twenty poets. He managed to convey in music the peculiarities of the poetic language of each author. The main means of expressing many romances is the melodic melody of wide breathing. Hugethe piano part plays a role. Almost all romances have introductions that introduce action into the atmosphere and set the mood. Glinka's romances are very famous, such as:

• "The fire of desire burns in the blood."
• "Lark".
• "Accompanying song".
• "Doubt".
• "I remember a wonderful moment."
• "Don't tempt".
• "You will soon forget me."
• "Don't say your heart hurts".
• "Don't sing, beauty, in front of me".
• "Recognition".
• "Night Watch".
• "Memory".
• "To her".
• "I'm here Inezilla".
• "Oh, are you the night, little night".
• "In a difficult moment of life".

Glinka's chamber-instrumental work (briefly)

Glinka's major piece for piano and string quintet is the clearest example of an instrumental ensemble. This is a wonderful divertissement based on Bellini's famous opera La sonnambula. New ideas and tasks are embodied in two chamber ensembles: the Grand Sextet and the Pathetic Trio. And although in these works one can feel the dependence on the Italian tradition, they are quite distinctive and original. In the "Sextet" there is a rich melody, relief thematics, a slender form. This is a concert type ensemble. In this work, Glinka tried to convey the beauty of Italian nature. Trio is the complete opposite.the first ensemble. His personality is dark and agitated.

Glinka's chamber music has greatly enriched the performing repertoire of violinists, pianists, violists, and clarinetists. Chamber ensembles attract listeners with an extraordinary depth of musical thoughts, a variety of rhythmic formulas, and the naturalness of melodic breathing.

Conclusion

Glinka's musical creativity combines the best European trends with national traditions. The name of the composer is associated with a new stage in the history of the development of musical art, which is called "classical". Glinka's work covers various genres that have taken their place in the history of Russian music and deserve attention from listeners and researchers. Each of his operas opens up a new type of dramaturgy. "Ivan Susanin" is a folk musical drama that combines various features. "Ruslan and Lyudmila" is a fabulously epic opera without pronounced conflicts. It develops calmly and slowly. It is inherent in brilliance and picturesqueness. His operas have acquired great importance, as they truly recreate the heroic events of past years. Few symphonic works have been written. However, they were able not only to please the audience, but also to become a real asset and the basis of Russian symphony, as they are characterized by incredible picturesqueness.

The composer's vocal work includes about 70 works. They are all charming and amazing. They embody various emotions, feelings and moods. They are full of beauty. Composer drawsto different genres and forms. As for chamber-instrumental works, they are also not numerous. However, their role is no less important. They replenished the performing repertoire with new worthy examples.