The Musical Culture of Saratov in the First Quarter of the 20th Century and Feodor Palchinsky’s Activities
Abstract
The author of the article focuses her attention on cultural practice in Saratov as one of the
relevant examples of the development of musical practice in the Russian provinces in the first quarter
of the 20th century. The article demonstrates that by the beginning of the 20th century Saratov was
one of the large-scale cultural centers with established traditions, including those in the sphere of
concert practice. By the example of the artistic activities of Feodor Palchinsky – Saratov-based
opera producer, organizer of opera troupes, musical critic and public figure – the leading ideas in
the sphere of the musical practice of the examined time are shown, which are: popularization of
musical works by Russian composers; actualization of the didactical function of the art of musical
theater; orientation on local performers, including the young musicians; the aspiration towards a
high quality of performance; the aspiration to endow the art of music with an all-accessible character.
Palchinsky’s main artistic projects were aimed at the realization of these artistic approaches: the
creation of the “Saratov-Kharkov Russian Opera,” the “Comradeship of Generally Accessible
Opera” and the “Itinerant Theater,” as well as countless reviews in the periodical press reflecting
the program and the level of performance practice. The article demonstrates that Palchinsky’s ideas
were subjected to adjustments and were adapted in various way, in order to fulfill the goals of his
time, in his artistic life the tendencies of democratization of musical practice and enlightenment
are developed unswervingly, he seeks other forms of existence of musical theater by turning to the
aesthetics of “revolutionary theater,” thereby meeting new social aims.
Keywords: musical theater, Saratov, Feodor Palchinsky, musical criticism, Russian opera.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.33779/2587-6341.2020.1.140-150
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