Moscow`s iconic art institution now offers a dedicated space for symphonic and chamber music.
Moscow`s esteemed Tretyakov Gallery has once again demonstrated its pioneering spirit, not merely content with housing Russia’s most treasured visual art. The renowned institution, historically known for its captivating art exhibitions, has now unveiled a purpose-built concert hall within its new building on Kadashyovskaya Embankment. This significant addition marks a bold step in expanding the gallery`s cultural footprint, fusing the visual grandeur of art with the evocative power of music.
A Vision Realized: From Drawing Rooms to Professional Stages
The concept of music echoing through the Tretyakov`s halls is not novel. For years, the gallery has hosted numerous musical events, inviting prominent musicians to perform amidst its hallowed collections. These impromptu concerts, often held within exhibition spaces, charmingly echoed the intimate musical evenings once organized by the gallery`s founder, Pavel Tretyakov himself. However, with the completion of the new building on Kadashyovskaya Embankment, the opportunity arose to establish a dedicated, professional-grade concert hall, complete with a proper parterre and balcony. This development allows for the continuation of Tretyakov`s musical tradition, but on a grander, more acoustically refined scale.
The new 500-seat venue is designed to provide an optimal listening experience. While initial reports from attendees offered a symphony of opinions on the acoustics – some hailing it as superb, others finding it `debatable` – there`s unanimous agreement on the hall`s comfortable seating and excellent stage visibility. After all, isn`t music primarily for listening, regardless of minor sonic quarrels?
“With Music on T”: A Journey Through Time and Sound
The inaugural event, aptly titled “With Music on T,” served as a compelling overture to this new chapter. The program invited the audience on a unique journey through time, immersing them in the atmosphere of the intimate chamber evenings favored by Pavel Tretyakov himself, then guiding them through the works of 20th-century masters, and finally bringing them to the compositions of our contemporaries. This innovative conceptual framework is a hallmark of the “With Music on T” series.
Adding another layer to the auditory experience, musicologists were on hand to provide insightful commentary, enriching the audience`s understanding of the pieces performed. This educational component ensures that attendees not only hear the music but also gain a deeper appreciation for its context and significance.
A Diverse Repertoire: From Rachmaninoff to Karmanov
The debut performance by the acclaimed Moscow Ensemble of Contemporary Music featured a fascinating selection of works, many of which are not frequently performed, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional repertoire. The program included:
- Early works by Sergei Rachmaninoff, showcasing his prodigious melodic talent already evident at 19 years old (the piece was composed in 1892).
- Alexander Grechaninov`s challenging Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, specifically the profound second movement – a surprising choice for a composer often pigeonholed as a `children`s composer` due to his numerous beginner-level piano pieces.
- Audacious selections like Igor Stravinsky`s The Soldier`s Tale and Dmitry Shostakovich`s suite from his opera The Nose.
- Alfred Schnittke`s poignant Homage to Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, a tribute from one titan to three others.
- Perhaps the most captivating piece: Get In by Pavel Karmanov, a contemporary Russian composer who sadly passed away recently on November 23, 2024.
The Legacy of Pavel Karmanov: A Simple Brilliance
Musicologist Rauf Farkhadov, the concert`s host, shared warm, personal anecdotes about Karmanov, illuminating the composer`s unique artistic philosophy. Karmanov was known for his “new simplicity” style, characterized by a light-hearted approach to composition. Farkhadov recounted asking Karmanov, “Pasha, why is it so easy?” to which the composer replied, “Life already has so much negativity; one must smile, one must live.”
The title of Karmanov`s Get In itself offers a delightful ambiguity. Farkhadov proposed a charming and tender interpretation: “Hey, Get Out,” connecting the piece to the joyful occasion of the composer`s son`s birth – a deeply personal inspiration for a publicly performed work.
A Bold Step for Cultural Institutions
By opening a dedicated concert hall, the Tretyakov Gallery distinguishes itself as a vanguard among cultural institutions, courageously merging visual and auditory arts on such a dedicated scale. The gallery has expressed a clear hope that these musical events will foster a deeper connection for visitors, enabling them to draw parallels and discover new interpretations between the resonating musical works and the masterpieces displayed in the gallery`s halls. On this inaugural evening, it seems, those hopes were magnificently fulfilled.
