“With Sadness I Survey Our Present Generation!..”

Abstract

In the interview with A.S. Sokolov, the crucial problems of the 1st quarter of 21st century music are discussed. The innovations, distinguishing the contemporary stylistic methods, are considered. Among them are the visuals as an additional expressive means, which complies with the musical dramaturgy, the changed relations between the “musical / non-musical” and “musical / extra-musical” concepts. Due to these changes, many categories of the traditional musicology face the “endurance test”. The relevance of the “crystal form vs. form-process” and “content / form” dichotomies is considered. The question of the methods of the contemporary music analysis is regarded, as well as the issues of relevance of substituting the “text” category with the concept of “discourse”. The possibilities to use the “author’s word” while interpreting contemporary music is discussed.

Key words

Association of Contemporary Music-2, music of the beginning of the 21st century, musical / non-musical, programme qualities, discourse