Field mass by B. Martinu as a continuation of the composer’s ballet series

Abstract

This article examines the Field mass of Boguslav Martinu in the aspect of its choreographic reading, proposed by I. Kilian. The spiritual work, which is relevant to the choreographer, reveals a kinship with the ballet music of Martin. The composer’s ballets are briefly described; the Field mass is presented in the context of works that were chosen by the Czech choreographer for his productions at that time, which are close in terms of problems and musical language. The history of the creation and musical drama of the Field mass is covered, the semantic relationship of the musical and choreographic series in the production of Kilian is traced. The author reveals a complex of characteristic features of Martinu’s ballet music, which are also manifested in the Field mass, contributing to its choreographic interpretation: plasticity of musical intonations, frequent stylistic contrasts, freedom in the interpretation of the genre, attraction of the human voice; transfer of magic, ritual action through dance.