Władysław Andriejewicz Zołotariow (1942–1975) – zarys biografii

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the reader with the personage of an outstanding Russian composer and bayanist Vladislav Zolotaryov. Tragically deceased at the age of only 33, the artist was an exceptional figure. He was a great innovator who changed the face of the accordion, using this instrument to the limit of its technical and sound possibilities. The novel and almost orchestral method of treating the accordion, which he initiated in the 1970s, not only had a tremendous impact on the work of the young generation of composers, such as: Aleksander Nagayev, Vladimir Zubicki and Viacheslav Siemionov, but was also noticed and appreciated by the eminent and already recognized composer Zofia Gubaydulina. Yet, while Zolotaryov’s output is widely known and appreciated by the present-day accordionists, his life still hides many unresolved secrets and doubts about the causes of his death. In the absence of any Polish language studies on the subject, the composer's biography is well worth a closer look. The information collected about the details of the composer’s life, as well as the opinions of people connected with him, may help to understand the composer's complicated personality. Zolotaryov’s innovative oeuvre, despite innumerable interpretations, is invariably interesting not only for the performers. It is still an important determinant for other composers of accordion music. Zolotaryov’s compositions, such as: Suita kameralna (en. Chamber Suite) Partita No. 1, Sonata No. 2, or collections of miniatures included in Suity dzieciece (en.Children’s Suites) have permanently entered the repertoire of contemporary performers. His magnum opus – Sonata No. 3 – is still one of the most important musical pieces in accordion literature. The source of this article are the letters and diaries written by V.Zolotaryov and the composer's biography by Inna Klause21, as well as memoirs by Nikolai Liesnoy22, Vitaly Szentalinsky23 and Fridrich Lips.