Probably every person is not indifferent to music. It accompanies humanity inextricably, it is impossible to determine when exactly a person learned to perceive it. Most likely, this happened when our ancestor, trying to express his emotions, hit a hollow tree trunk. Since then, man and music are inextricably linked, today there are many of its genres, styles and directions. This is folklore, spiritual and, finally, classical instrumental - symphonic and chamber music. Almost everyone knows what a trend is, how chamber music exists, but few of its differences and features. Let's try to figure this out later in the article.
History of chamber music
The history of chamber music originates in the Middle Ages. In the XVI century, music began to go beyond the church temples. Some authors began to write works that were performed outside the church walls for a small circle of connoisseurs. It should be noted that at first it was only vocal parts, and chamber-instrumental music appeared much later. But first things first.
Chamber music is fascinating. What is the name derived from the Italian word camera ("room"), probably everyone remembers. Unlike church and theater music, chamber music was originally intended for indoor performance by a small collective for a narrow circle of listeners. As a rule, the performance took place at home, and later in small concert halls. Chamber-instrumental music reached its peak in the 18th – 19th centuries, when similar concerts were held in all living rooms of wealthy houses. Later, aristocrats even introduced the regular positions of musicians.
Images of chamber music
Initially, chamber music was intended to be performed in front of a small circle of people who are its connoisseurs and connoisseurs. And the size of the room where the concert was held allowed the performers and listeners to closely contact each other. All this created a unique atmosphere of ownership. Perhaps that is why such art is characterized by a high ability to discover lyrical emotions and various nuances of human experiences.
The genres of chamber music are most accurately designed to convey the feelings of a person with the help of concise, but at the same time detailed means. In contrast to symphonic music, where parts are performed by groups of instruments, such works have their own part for each instrument, and they are all almost equally equal to each other.
Types of chamber instrumental ensemble
With the development of history, chamber music also developed. That such a direction should have some features in relation to performers does not require evidence. Modern instrumental ensembles are:
- duets (two performers);
- trio (three members);
- quartets (four);
- quintets (five);
- sextets (six);
- Septets (seven);
- octets (eight);
- nonets (nine);
- decimet (ten).
Moreover, the instrumental composition can be the most diverse. It can include both stringed and wind instruments. The structure of one collective may include only strings or only winds. And there may be mixed chamber ensembles - especially often the piano is included in them. In general, their composition is limited to only one thing - the composer's imagination, and it is often unlimited. In addition, there are also chamber orchestras - groups, which include no more than 25 musicians.
Genres of instrumental chamber music
Modern genres of chamber music were formed under the influence of the work of such great composers as V. A. Mozart, L. Beethoven, I. Haydn. It was these masters who created works unsurpassed in the refinement of the content and emotional depth. The sonatas, duets, trios, quartets and quintets at one time were paid tribute to the most famous romantics of the 19th century: F. Mendelssohn, R. Schumann, F. Schubert, F. Chopin. In addition, the genre of instrumental miniatures (nocturnes, intermezzo) received huge popularity at this time.
There are still chamber concerts, suites, fugues, cantatas. As far back as the 18th century, chamber music genres were very diverse. In addition, they absorbed the stylistic features of other areas and styles. For example, L. Beethoven's tendency to push the boundaries of such a phenomenon as chamber music is so clearly traced that such a work as “The Kreutzer Sonata” is not inferior to symphonic creations in its monumentalism and emotional intensity.
Genres of vocal chamber music
In the XIX century, vocal chamber music gained immense popularity. The emerging new genres of artistic song and romance were paid tribute to such great composers as R. Schumann, F. Schubert, G. Berlioz, I. Brahms. An invaluable contribution to the world collection of chamber music was made by Russian composers. The magnificent romances of M.I. Glinka, P.I. Tchaikovsky, M.P. Musorgsky, M.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, and today do not leave anyone indifferent. In addition to small works, there is also the genre of chamber opera. It implies the presence of a small number of performers and does not require a large room to be staged.
Chamber music today
Of course, today there are practically no houses where, as in past centuries, chamber ensembles play in an environment of a limited circle of people. However, contrary to existing stereotypes, this direction remains very popular. Halls of organ and chamber music all over the world attract millions of fans of both works by classical composers and contemporary authors. Festivals are regularly held at which famous and novice performers share their art.