Smirnova I. Ensemble writing in works for mixed chamber ensembles of German composers of end of ХVІІІ – ХІХ centuries.

Dissertation is devoted to studying of peculiarities of ensemble writing in works for mixed chamber ensembles by German composers of end of ХVІІІ – ХІХ centuries (that is L. van Beethoven, F. Ries, L. Spohr, C. -M. Weber, I. Moscheles, J. Brahms). The aim of research is to reveal genre specifics of chamber works for mixed ensembles and to classify them on the premise of special traits of ensemble writing as set of technological devices aimed at harmonic concordance of instruments having heterogenous timbres (on example of mixed ensembles by stated composers). The work generalises the results of scholar research on typology and classification of mixed ensembles with or without piano. It is noted that special research that would reveal genre specifics as well as typological features of mixed ensembles with or without piano does not exist hitherto. Several approaches to studying of mixed ensembles with or without piano are discerned: 1) from the standpoint of quantity of ensemble’s participants (O. Blahodarska); 2) from the angle of “pivotal” instrument (M. Tsaregorodtseva, E. Kupriyanenko); 3) in the works of monographic nature (O. Vaschenko, A. Boyarintseva, A. Zakharova, I. Khramova etc.); 4) in works, devoted to the problems of evolution of chamber instrumental genres and to research of legacy of composers belonging to certain school or a given period, region or country (L. Raaben, A. Lukatska). It is found out that in the works of the stated vectors their authors do not focus their attention on revealing genre specifics of chamber works for mixed ensembles, although they might contain valuable observation on interaction between timbres or musical texture etc. Having generalised research literature we state that several problems arise, hindering creation of typology and classification of mixed ensembles with or without piano: 1) unspecified number of ensemblists (that might vary from two to ten); 2) mixed ensembles with or without piano in most cases cannot be fixated in terms of their qualitative composition. The only stable indicator for mixed ensembles with different quantity of participants is combination of timbre of woodwind and string instruments (and piano). New approach towards mixed ensembles with or without piano is suggested from the standpoint of ensemble writing, definition of “ensemble writing” is formulated. Ensemble writing is a set of compositional and technical tools and principles of interaction in the ensemble, aimed at institution of a certain type of functional relations between parts for the sake of congruous harmonic whole according to individual artistic idea embodied in the work in the framework of type of expression, intrinsic of chamber ensemble style. Ensemble writing is closely related to category “texture”, establishing a synchronised-unsynchronised interaction with it. Ensemble writing is constituted by timbre, register, doubling, character of interaction of timbres (“intertwining”), transferring of melodic material from one timbre to another.