Instrumental music of Anatolijus Šenderovas (2015–2017) in the context of processes of its development

Abstract

The instrumental music of one of the most prominent contemporary Lithuanian composers Anatolijus Šenderovas (b. 1945), created in 2015–2017 is reviewed in the article. A semantic analysis of two pieces – String Quartet No. 3 (2015) and Concerto for Piano Trio and Symphony Orchestra (2017) – is displayed in the context of processes of development of creative style of Šenderovas; therefore, earlier periods of his creation – before 1990-ies and after 1990-ies – are reviewed in the first part of the article. Emphasis is given to different contexts as sources of inspiration of Šenderovas works (Lithuanian poetry, Biblical texts, relation of the composer with artistic personalities and performers, particular events of Lithuanian music life, etc.) which determine choices of genres, instrumentation, and specific musical development. Though witnessing the recognizable creative voice of Šenderovas, characterized by clear dramaturgy, intense contrasts, emotional contents of music, use of aleatoric and sonoric elements, String Quartet No. 3 and Concerto for Piano Trio and Symphony Orchestra reveal the turn of the composer towards more philosophical music of pure instrumental genres and reveal his new voice of simplicity, deep lyricism and contemplation, open melody being the main expression tool. One may propose that these works indicate a new stage of Šenderovas’ creativity.