“An Optimistic Tragedy” by A. Kholminov: From Chaos to Harmony

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the categories characterising the diversity of the opera genre that have become integral components of A. Kholminov’s operas. The paper presents the content-related essence of V. Vishnevsky’s play “An Optimistic Tragedy”, which formed the basis of A. Kholminov’s opera. The scientific novelty of the study lies in determining the main feature of the Commissar’s portrait, i.e. melodiousness based on the couplet form, simple diatonic motifs supported by stable degrees, uncomplicated harmonic connections, declamations. As a result, it has been found that A. Kholminov’s opera “An Optimistic Tragedy” has all the defining features of the opera of the XX century: introducing epistolary heritage and documentary information into the libretto; polystylistics at the stage level; using the means of related art forms; orientation to mass character; “a director’s split-screen”.