Klopstock’s poetry and its translation into Russian language: a palette of musical manifestations

Abstract

The given article examines the musical aesthetics of the outstanding German poet Klopstock’s poetry. It is visible in various layers: semantic, compellation and acoustics. Klopstock’s “Der Messias” is a verbal symphony, which includes new dynamic effects created by analogy with a variable musical tempo. The German poet’s lyrics reflect various spheres of mental activity: mystical, idealistic feelings, the loving movement of the soul. Small lyrical forms by Klopstock convey the subtle sensitivity of the character. This sensitivity shows an appeal not so much to a beloved or friend, but to the universe upon the whole. The melodiousness of Klopstock’s poetry contributes to the popularity of his works among the late 18th – early 19th centuries composers. Schubert’s romances, written on the verses by Klopstock, penetrate into Russian culture. Russian interpreters create equirhythmic arrangements, convey the flexibility of sound and acoustic euphony of Klopstock’s poetry. Their translations accurately reflect the semantic accents and emotional fullness, thanks to which Klopstock’s odes and songs, set to music by Schubert, are still performed today. This article is the first approach to the analysis of Klopstock’s translations into Russian from the musical point of view.