Опера «Різдвяна ніч» Миколи Лисенка й Михайла Старицького в контексті месіанізму ХІХ століття: божественне й буденне в музиці Різдва

The relevance of the article. In the current conditions of cultural revival, rethinking of national identity and European integration course of Ukraine, it is especially important to turn to the work of prominent figures who formed the national musical tradition. The opera “Christmas Night” by Mykola Lysenko and Mykhailo Starytskyi is not only a significant artistic phenomenon, but also a symbol of the Ukrainian national idea in music. Its analysis helps to better understand the process of formation of Ukrainian opera, the importance of folklore and spirituality in the musical language of the XIX century. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyze the opera “Christmas Night” as a phenomenon of Ukrainian musical culture of the XIX century. The methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines musicology, literary studies, theater studies, cultural studies and religious studies. The results. “Christmas Night” is the first national opera that combines folk folklore, nativity scene, Christian traditions and modern European musical drama. Through the plot of M. Gogol, comprehended in a Christian way, the idea of the spiritual revival of Ukraine is conveyed. Opera has become a cultural manifesto that affirms Ukrainian identity. It is based on folklore carols, melodies, kanto and choral sounds, organically combined with the composer’s technique. The work synthesizes folklore, religious, theatrical, romantic and patriotic components. The finale of the opera symbolizes not only the spiritual renewal of the characters, but also the Ukrainian people as a whole. The scientific novelty lies in the emphasis on the Christian symbolism of the work, the analysis of its musical and dramatic structure, ethnographic context and the rethinking of Gogol’s plot. The practical significance. Education: the use of music and humanities specialties in curricula. Theatrical practice: a reference point for new productions with ethnographic authenticity. Popularization of culture: a source for cultural and educational projects in Ukraine and abroad. Digital culture: the basis for multimedia formats, online tours. Science: the perspective of research at the intersection of art history and spiritual culture. The conclusions. The opera “Christmas Night” was a response to the need of the Ukrainian people for national self-affirmation. Lysenko and Starytskyi founded a new Ukrainian theater. This work is evidence of the transition from amateurism to a professional level. The opera combines the traditions of nativity scene, baroque and academic opera. Her musical language is deeply rooted in folklore, with a harmonic, mode-intonation and choral palette. Christmas as a symbol of spiritual purification gives the work a Christian meaning. The premiere caused a strong emotional response and became an extraordinary cultural and national-political event.