STYLISTIC PECULIARITIES OF PIANO WORKS CECILIA CHAMINADE

Abstract

The article examines the work of the French composer, pianist and conductor Cecilia Chaminade (1857–1944), one of the most talented and little-studied figures in European music of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The composerʼs oeuvre is quite substantial and diverse, with a portfolio of nearly 500 works, including ballets, opera, symphonic paintings, flute concertos, piano concertos and more than 200 piano and vocal works. The work explores the peculiarities of her piano heritage, in particular, the genre style and compositional features that emphasise her virtuosity and innovative approach to instrumental music. S. Shaminadʼs work is marked by a combination of romantic lyricism and elements of impressionism, while her music often uses sound and image techniques that contribute to the creation of vivid imagery. An important place in S. Chaminadeʼs piano oeuvre belongs to works that combine the French Romantic tradition with exotic motifs, which is reflected, in particular, in the pieces of the cycle «Six Romantic Pieces» for four hands, Op. 55. Each piece of the suite is a small but visually appealing picture depicted by means of musical expression. S. Chaminade freely uses the timbre palette, metro-rhythmic organisation and classical harmonic basis to emphasise the sound of a bright melodic line, which creates an extremely emotional impression of listening, leaving touching images of individual episodes in the memory. The works of the French artist are marked by extraordinary lyricism and richness of emotions. The composer focuses on expressive melodies, the nature of which intersects with her vocal works, marked by the imagery and convexity of the vocal part. The piano works of the composer-pianist require from the performer not only technical skill, but also the ability to convey subtle nuances of interpretation. In her work, S. Chaminade avoided simplified or banal formulas, creating special, sensual music that combined the influences of French romanticism, folk motifs and sometimes echoes of music by other European composers of the time. The work draws attention to the invaluability of the composer's work in Ukrainian musicology and performance, the need for further research into her creative heritage, as her music has great artistic and educational potential for performers and teachers.