Among the works of Elena Sokolovski there are works written in her student years. Some were subsequently revised and received new editions, others did not need any alterations. The latter include the work "À une étoile" to the words of Alfred de Musset for soprano, flute, percussion and organ.
What is the genre of this music? Most likely, it can be defined as a nocturne, especially since the poetic text of Alfred de Musset describes the picture of the night. The genre of nocturne, as you know, went through a very complex history and by the era of romanticism acquired quite definite features and covers a wide range of artistic meanings.
This genre is very diverse – it is enough to compare the nocturnes of Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Grieg, Glinka, Balakirev, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Borodin, Respega, Bartok, Hindemith and many other composers. However, despite the fact that all these works are different, they are united by one common property – a feeling of admiration or peace, images of nature are often embodied.
In Elena Sokolovski's nocturne, along with an atmosphere of admiration, a somewhat different mood reigns. On the one hand, in order to achieve the character of "nocturnality", the young composer used a wide variety of vocal and instrumental colors, and the music seems to bathe in them. Using various sound techniques, the author achieves the overall slightly chilly “sounds of the night” with its mysterious rustles. Getting acquainted with this nocturne, it is better not to limit yourself to just viewing the score, but you should definitely hear the composition, delve into all its shades and nuances.
On the other hand, the colorful palette of music is filled with another definite feeling – Nocturne is permeated by a constantly repeating ostinato phrase. It passes at the voice, flute, vibraphone and organ. Its unchanging variant sound creates a feeling of sadness, and perhaps grief… The features of the passacaglia in Nocturne are hidden, but they are there. Therefore, the nocturne genre itself is slightly expanded and can be defined as "Sad Nocturne".
The vocal part is very expressive. Melodic phrases, recitatives alternate with vocalizations, speech, singing with a closed mouth. The flute part contains various playing techniques (frullato, vibrato, slap, whistle tone), the vibraphone has a motor, the organ part is quite bright in register, and at the end of the piece the instrument's motor turns off, which gives additional original colors.
«Nocturne» was part of the composer's chamber diploma program and was performed in the Small Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory. He was greeted with great kindness by many musicians, including the composers A. Eshpay, E. Denisov, R. Ledenev, Yu. Butsko. The talent and professionalism of the young composer were noted both in Moscow and in Germany and Israel.
And now, after many years, this work again becomes relevant and arouses the interest of both Russian and foreign musicians.
Svetlana Gartman
Germany