The work that «stepped over» the epoch: The Third Symphony by Yuri N. Shishakov

The article is devoted to the Third Symphony for Russian Folk Instruments Orchestra by Yuri Nikolayevich Shishakov. It notes the continuity with the composers of the Russian symphonic school (symphonies by Borodin, Taneyev, Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev), which is reflected in the appeal to traditional models and genres (epic-narrative sonata-symphonic cycle with the use of a synthesising finale), methods of development (a combination of sonata and variation) and imagery (bell-like, skomoroschestvo). The question of the universality of Russian folk instruments and their adaptation to the symphonic genre posed by the composer is examined. Such symphonic principles as leitintonality and monothematism are traced. The influence of Shostakovich’s symphonic model and writing technique is noted, manifested not only in allusions to certain themes, but also in the commonality of images, ideas, drama, principles of form and orchestration. The specifics of the composer’s orchestral writing are studied, which is connected with the enrichment of the sonic palette of the work, the search for new means of sound writing, the juxtaposition of orchestral groups, and finding a balance between solo conducting and duplication.