TARAS SHEVCHENKO’S «THE CAUCASUS» (KAVKAZ) IN MUSICAL TRANSFROMATION BY STANISLAV LIUDKEVYCH

Abstract

The methodical article highlights the comparative musical and literary analysis of the poem «The Caucasus» by Taras Shevchenko and the eponymous cantata-symphony by Stanislav Liudkevych. The work of Taras Hryhorovych remains relevant even today, as scientists from different countries study the work and life path of the poet. It is indicated that the musical legacy of the words of T. H. Shevchenko is relevant even after 210 years, prompting actions, in particular the creation of new musical hits, such as the project of Artem Pivovarov (stage pseudonym PIVOVAROV) «Your poems, my notes» and the research and development of one’s own national literary and musical history. Another bright representative of artistic enlightenment is Stanislav Pylypovych Liudkevych. It was found out that the composer was the first from the national professional composition school in western Ukraine to appeal to the work of T. H. Shevchenko. The author worked on the works «Testament» («Zapovit»), «Mower» («Kosar»), «Gamaliia», which contributed to the development and disclosure of national images of Ukrainian professional musical culture in the 20th century.  The article analyses one of the most famous works of Taras Shevchenko, the poem «The Caucasus», and its musical embodiment, cantata-symphony «The Caucasus», by Stanislav Liudkevych. The main idea of the work is the struggle for freedom and independence for the people. The article presents for the first time a comparative musical and literary analysis of the embodiment of the image of Prometheus as a representative of a strong and unconquered nation, as well as a people fighting for their independence and will, both in the general literary concept and in the musical reflection in the cantata-symphony «The Caucasus». It is noted that it is a symbol of freedom, the fight against oppression, and the belief that good triumphs over evil. Both authors portray Prometheus as a powerful and proud hero who is not afraid to challenge the mighty Zeus. The emphasis is placed on the musical language of the work in comparison with the literary basis. A comparative analysis of the works of T. H. Shevchenko’s «The Caucasus» and the cantata-symphony 2The Caucasus» by S. P. Liudkevych provides an opportunity to understand the greatness, significance, and relevance of Ukrainian musical and literary heritage. The scientific-methodical article will be of interest to the teachers of the integrated course «Art», as well as the educators of literature, which contributes to the improvement of literary competence among students.