Zahortsev Volodymyr

VOLODYMYR ZAHORTSEV (1944-2010), a representative of the “Kyiv avant-garde,” was one of the last students of Borys Lyatoshynsky. In 1968-1974 he was an editor at the Musical Ukraine Publishing House. His work is divided into two periods, interrupted by a break of several years (1972-1976).

During the first period, the composer is strongly influenced by the techniques of the Western avant-garde (including dodecaphony). Later, his works take on a less complex and clearer form, using melody, rhythm and harmony in a neo-classical shade. Chamber concertos for various soloists and string orchestra occupy an important place in his oeuvre, as well as his 5 symphonies, Violin Concerto (2007), Concerto for Orchestra “Creativity” (2010), and Opera “Dolores” (1980-1983). In the 1970s and 1980s his music was performed in the West, including January 1980 his work “Gradations” for symphony orchestra (1966) was performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Zubin Mehta.