Intonational and Symbolic Codes of War in Chamber Vocal Works of Contemporary Ukrainian Composers

The chamber vocal works of contemporary composers exhibit diversity in form, content, and presentation. Their unconventional structures guide both researchers and performers in exploring the meanings embedded in poetic symbols and in conveying the emotional and sensory narratives intended by the composer. Modern audiences demonstrate a readiness to engage with the heightened symbolism of poetic texts, experiencing shifts in perception when encountering chamber vocal music. This article examines the transformation of artistic symbolism under the influence of military strategy. Music fosters aesthetic experiences that evoke catharsis, arising from the emotional intensity of war-related symbols. Contemporary composers, responding to current realities, seek an adequate sonic language to reflect societal changes caused by war. This shift affects not only the emotional components of musical expression but also structural aspects, including individualized compositional forms, unconventional instrumental techniques, and explorations of novel sound systems. By structuring their works through dramatic reversals, composers utilize symbols as fundamental elements of musical form, layering artistic intent across multiple dimensions. The synthesis of voice and chamber instrumentation enables diverse artistic solutions, fostering experimental approaches influenced by military strategy. In this context, the symbol—rich in meaning—becomes central to the evolving aesthetic and structural landscape of contemporary chamber vocal music