Dialogues. Composer Valentin Silvestrov (2008)

Pärt, Schnittke, Gubaidulina, Denissov, Silvestrov – these names of composers are known all over the world. Their talent, love for work and loyalty to their chosen way, unwillingness to compromise and dedication did not break them in the chase but strengthened their convictions. They formed as composers during the times of Soviet Union, in the difficult conditions of a totalitarian state, in a country where the position of an artist could be only one – position approved by the rulers. Those who had the guts to stand by their own beliefs lost everything.

Valentin Silvestrov is a worldwide acknowledged Ukraina composer. He is a classic.

Our film is an attempt to come closer in the understanding of the creative personality. Any personality, and particularly a personality of this scale, is special. It always remains unexplained. We can only try to peek behind the curtain. The uniqueness of art lies in the fact that it can be comprehended forever. The reception of music is endless thanks to its inconcreteness. This inconcreteness makes it understandable and close to a big number of people. We don’t know or understand much, but we guess and feel. This gives us a sense of participation and co-creation. This is the biggest value of art.

The music itself is nothing but interesting and captivating, and not only for musicians. Let us take for example the variety of genres the composer uses, his productivity or the meaning of the word in his music.

Whatever you look at, you find new and bright details, happenings, emotions, philosophic thoughts, straight-forward sayings and strong convictions.

The form of the film reminds of a mosaic mural. Standing close to it, we see only colourful pieces; stepping back, we can see the whole picture. These pieces will be the episodes of the film – rehearsals in Kiev, Münchenis, Londonis, Pannanholma, recording in Germany under the well-known label of Manfred Eicher ECM, conversations with Silvestrov at his home near the river Dnepr. Some of the pieces will be performed fully by the author himself, the pianist Aleksei Ljubimov, cellista Anja Lechner, viola Andras Keller etc and well-known choirs and ensembles München Kammerorkester, Kremerata Baltica, Chamber Hor Kiev and others.

 

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