Soviet Mass Song of the 1920s-1940s in the Mirror of the Epoch

Abstract

Relevance. The relevance of studying the phenomenon of Soviet mass song is currently increasing due to special attention to educational work, to the formation of an active civic position among modern youth. This genre is not only a sign of the era, but also clearly reflects the spiritual, moral, patriotic values of Russian society. The purpose of this article is consideration of the stages of formation of the Soviet mass song genre in the 1920-1940s. Research objectives to consider the formation and development of the Soviet mass song genre in the 1920-1940s; to identify the influence of the main events of national history that influenced the evolution of this genre. Methodology. The work uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis of information, as well as a set of methods of historical-cultural, problem-chronological nature; the analysis of the means of musical expressiveness and genre and stylistic features of the subject of research was applied. Results. The social structure of society, which changed after the October Revolution of 1917, required changes in the country's cultural policy. The desire to "throw Pushkin off the ship of modernity" and build a new world led to the emergence and flourishing of the Soviet mass song genre. The concept of “mass song” was filled with new content at different stages of development: in the 1920s, arrangements of revolutionary songs for the choir were among the leading directions in composer creativity. The practice of composing a new text to an already existing melody was widespread. After the end of the civil war, modern dance rhythms penetrate the mass song, against which a large-scale campaign is unfolding in society. In the prewar years, this genre reflected the themes of socialist construction, memories of historical events and bright hopes. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the task facing the artists was determined by the need to help the people survive, raise their fighting spirit, and strengthen patriotic feelings. Conclusion. The Soviet mass song has become an expression of the values and needs of the era and a real documentary evidence of its time.