“Musical circle” and concert life of Kharkiv in the second half of the 1880s

Section 3. Kharkiv contexts

Abstract

Statement of the problem. The activity of educational organizations in Ukraine in the XIX – early XX centuries was a notable feature of and one of the leading factors in the formation of cultural space in the Ukrainian regions of the period. One among these associations was the Kharkiv Musical Circle, which functioned between 1884 and 1912, with a break of seven years, and played a significant role in the cultural life of Kharkiv. Over the years, both talented amateurs and experienced professional musicians such as S. Nemets, E. Liuba-Yevdokymova, A. Bensh, O. Litynsky, and others were active members of the Kharkiv Music Circle. Determining the specifics of the organizational activities of the Kharkiv Music Circle and performing arts of professional musicians connected with it is relevant, as it contributes to both understanding the sense of the activity and the role of this organization in the cultural space of the city and Ukraine as a whole. Objectives, methods and novelty of the research. The purpose of the study is to clarify the specifics of the functioning and role of the Kharkiv Musical Circle in the cultural space of Kharkiv in the second half of the 1880s. The research combines the historical and art studies approaches, empirical and comparative methods of analysis. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the introduction of little-known, previously unpublished facts from the musical history of Kharkiv into the academic discourse in the field of art studies, which highlight the specifics of the functioning of the Kharkiv Music Circle as an association of professional musicians and amateurs based on ideas of enlightenment. Research results. The Kharkiv Music Circle is a great example of the artistic community of both, professionals and amateurs, similar to those that have spread in Ukraine since the nineteenth century and put into practice the idea of enlightenment. During 1885–1888, the concert activities of the Kharkiv Music Circle were led by S. Nemetz, a Czech professional musician with extensive organizational, pedagogical, and performance experience, notably of Kapellmeister. The public events of the Kharkiv Music Circle were held as symphony concerts, chamber music gatherings, and family music evenings and were popular in the city thanks to S. Nemetz’s focus on the musical preferences of the local community. An important role in the concert practice of the Kharkiv Music Circle was played by the symphony orchestra under the direction of the abovementioned S. Nemets, and from the end of 1888 – by the talented pianist, performer and teacher A. Bensh. The orchestra actively involved musicians with special education and experience of performing on the professional stage, which contributed to a positive impression of the quality of the music performed. The concerts of the group featured performances by the choir and soloists – amateur singers and professional instrumentalist singers. The diversity of the Kharkiv Musical Circle’s concert programs contributed to its public success and positive reputation among the Kharkiv intelligentsia. In 1890, the Kharkiv Musical Society ceased its activities, which was caused by the absence of an experienced and influential manager of S. Nemets’ level. Conclusion. It has been proven that during 1885–1889, a prominent place in the musical life of Kharkiv was held by the concert practice of the Kharkiv Music Circle, an association of professional musicians and amateurs based on enlightenment ideas. S. Nemets's organizational skills and performance creativity played a key role in the guiding the direction of the group’s concert activities in 1885–1888. His involvement of professional musicians as soloists and talented amateurs and students as orchestra players in the public events of the Kharkiv Music Circle contributed to positive perception of the Circle’s activities and quality of their performance by Kharkiv residents.