DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF “THEATRE MUSIC” IN MODERN SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE

Abstract

Theatrical music as a phenomenon of musical and stage art, the history of development of which is directly related to the genesis of the theater and has several millennia to this day, in the scientific discourse of the first quarter of the 21st century. does not have a clear terminology, and the interpretation of the concept of “theater music” itself is characterized by variability. The purpose of the article is to identify the essence of the concept of “theater music” and analyze the use of this definitionand synonymous concepts in modern studies by foreign art historians. Research methodology. The method of terminological and systemic analysis, the method of interpretation and operationalization of concepts, the typological and systemic method, the method of comparative analysis and theoretical generalization were applied. The scientific novelty lies in the fact thatfor the first time: a conceptual understanding of the essence of the concept of “theater music” was carried out, based on the definitions presented in the foreign academic dimension; little-known and unknown materials from foreign-language sources of art and musicological nature were introduced into domestic scientific circulation; based on the considered definitions, an own definition of theater music was proposed. Conclusions. The study revealed that in modern foreign theoretical and practical discourse, there is currently no single generally accepted definition of the concept of “theater music”, however, it is usually used as a general term to denote music and sound(s) developed or selected for a specific theater production. Summarizing the definitions presented in the analyzed studies and publications, theater music can be considered as music (sounds) created to manage, improve or enhance the theatrical concept and used in productions of various types of theater (musical, dramatic, plastic, etc.), characterized by certain features and functions that correspond to the specifics of musical-theater and dramatic genres/types/forms. In modern stage practice, theater music is relational: individual scenesare invented to music and rhythmically precisely adjusted to it, theater performances follow musical dramaturgy, acting is developed to music, etc. Being in dialogue or inextricably intertwined with texts, gestures, voices, etc., theatrical musicdevelops according to more or different criteria than simply narrative plausibility or atmospheric value. Thus, theatrical music is intertextual, somatic, structural, relational, self-reflexive and evocative.