Ru
EnM. Abdulaev
Genre and stylistic features of the instrumental suite in the works of South Dagestani composers
The article examines the formation and development of the instrumental suite genre in the works of South Dagestani composers. Two stages in its evolution are identified: the first is associated with Gottfried Gasanov’s piano suites (1950, 1952); the second – with the appearance of his “Symphonic Dances” (1963), which had a profound influence on subsequent composers who created a number of suites for the orchestra of Dagestani folk instruments. Among them are S. Kerimov’s “Dargin Sketches”, M. Guseinov’s “Rutul Sketches”, as well as two suites by A. Mekhman. These works demonstrate a tendency toward the increasing complexity of musical language through original timbral and textural solutions. The article highlights the innovative features of M. Guseinov’s “Musical Colors of Dagestan”, particularly the expansion of the genrestylistic structure of the cycle and the diversity of approaches to folk material. The composer employs free adaptation of sources, stylization, and the recreation of specific elements of folk performance practice.
The demand for the instrumental suite within national art is explained by its vivid imagery and sound concreteness – qualities that facilitated the emergence of highly artistic and individual creative solutions. Particular attention is given to issues of musical program, dramaturgy, national thematic sources, and various sound effects. Comparative analysis leads to conclusions about the genre and stylistic features of these works, which correlate with the realization of both Romantic and neo-folkloristic compositional models. Moreover, it is noted that the suite principle of form proved to be close to the traditional musical culture of South Dagestan. This structural principle made it possible to integrate diverse song and dance compositions into a single dramatic unity.
Key words
instrumental suite, South Dagestani composers, musical Romanticism, neo-folkloristic tendencies, expansion of genre-stylistic structure, intertextuality, coloristic effects.
For citation
Abdulaev M. Genre and stylistic features of the instrumental suite in the works of South Dagestani composers. In: South-Russian Musical Anthology. 2025. No. 3. Pp. 15–23.
