INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF PI TCHAIKOVSKY

The First International Competition for musicians of PI Tchaikovsky on 18 March 1958, but "first" of its time, no one called. It was announced just as the competition of the year, and pamphlets then notify:

"International Competition for Pianists and violinists of the great Russian composer PI Tchaikovsky starting March 18, 1958.

Competition after PI Tchaikovsky conducted in three rounds.

The programs of the contestants are well represented works of Russian and Western European classical music, as well as contemporary works by Soviet and foreign composers . . .

A special place in the competition will be creativity PI Tchaikovsky. "

The contest seemed to be nothing special did not differ from those he held in other countries and has long gained fame and credibility. Only the venue and the fact that the competition was given the name of the great Russian composer, has emphasized its identity.

By mid-1950 in the Soviet Union already had considerable experience of major music competitions, as well as another from 1933 in the country arranged union contests of young performers. Competitions those were very responsible, and the skill of the participants - very high, which is eloquently told the names of the winners: D. Oistrakh, E. Gilels, J. Flier, S. Richter, and others. Over 40 years of Soviet rule the musical culture in our country has reached a high level, so the establishment of an international contest named after PI Tchaikovsky was a natural phenomenon.

At the head of preparations for the big feast of national and international music arose, DD Shostakovich. Despite the intensity of his own creative work and a variety of social activities, the composer has a direct and active participation in all stages of the competition. Together with him in the work of the organizing committee attended and other eminent composers, and public figures.

Shortly after the leaflets were sent to different countries, the Organizing Committee sprinkle application. First of all, the contest drew the attention of musicians, who love Russian and Soviet music. Fire and those who wanted to visit Moscow and see it for yourself, the more so as many caught in the two paragraphs:

"The Organizing Committee provides the participants of the competition accompanist, but has no objection to the arrival of the contestant with the concertmaster.

The Organizing Committee provides the participants and their accompanist costs to stay in Moscow during the competition and travel from Moscow to place of residence. "

Moscow hospitably invited to a youth of all countries, and she happily responded to this invitation. In the capital of the Soviet Union came pianists and violinists from 22 countries (61 singer). In addition to talented young people, for which the competition of PI Tchaikovsky was the first international test, Europe, Asia, America and Australia was represented, and those who were already the winner of two or three prestigious international awards that set an extremely high artistic level of the competition.

Almost no major difficulty in preparing a musical forum was the problem of competitive programs, as well as their degree of complexity to a large extent determine the credibility and the competition. On the complexity of the program wrote an outstanding violinist, D. Oistrakh, a member of the Organizing Committee: "I have participated in many competitions and has to be a member of the jury, and I contend that the contest named after PI Tchaikovsky - one of the most difficult. "

Competition program was complex and stylistic diversity included in her works - from the IS Bach to contemporary composers. A special section of works by PI Tchaikovsky, for executing special requirements. Entered into the specially written piece of Soviet composers: "Variations" Yuri Levitin violin solo, "Caprice" by K.

Photo — «International Competition Of
pi Tchaikovsky»

Mostrasa (also for violin solo), etc. To perform these works, the violinist must possess not only technical skill, and artistic maturity, as well as a wide creative range. And young violinists who have started the fight for the title winners, have expressed serious interest in this major event on the musical life. From participation in the first round, were released only previous winners of international competitions.

Passions heated from the tour to tour, and among the participants, and among the public, which is warmly and enthusiastically expressed their sympathy. Most musicians have shown such a high level of training that the participation in the third (final) round allowed the jury of 12 people, instead of eight previously intended.

The Soviet violinist Vladimir Klimov wonderfully made yet in the second round, perfectly fulfilling the "Tales" SI Taneyev, "Reflections" PI Tchaikovsky′s "Sixth Sonata" Ã? Izai and "Caprice" by N. Paganini. This vysokoodarenny and versatile actor and has won first prize. In his game the jury indicated beautiful, warm and expressive tone, crystal-sounding equipment, and internal execution of nobility.

Second prize was awarded to a young violinist V. Pikayzenu, who began to speak with another 13 years. The third award received the Romanian violinist L. Ruhe - musician huge artistic charm and sensitive artist with a genuine performing nerve and temperament. In addition to prizes, a large group of violinists has been awarded honorary diplomas of the first and second degrees and diplomas.

During the speech Pianists strict ceremony and listen to many times violated the applause. In the compulsory third round included a performance of Piano "Rondo" by D. Kabalevsky. Composer himself later pointed out that each of the participants in the last round of this piece played by different ways and with joyful astonishment heard nine different "Rondo. "

Among the pianists in the first round, drew attention to little-known then 23-year-old American pianist Van Klibern. However, even in his homeland, perhaps only one in 100,000 Americans have heard of him until he won an award in Moscow. By the third round of the 20 applicants, only nine remained. In the final statement by Wang Kliberna emerged rare harmony of artistic and musical qualities of a pianist. And the Great Hall of the Conservatory erupted this ovation, which thrilled the American was delighted to have a reception and that he had a Moscow audience.

Spoke fondly of the Soviet public and juryman A. Bliss (England), calling it "a musical and subtle perceiving a variety of interpretations. It combines two remarkable qualities: generosity, and strong criticism. Spectators concentrated listening, and judging by the reaction, it is true and deeply felt the content of musical works. " Excellent impression left by many prominent musical figures of England, France, the United States, Switzerland and other countries that were members of a competitive jury.

Van Klibern received the first prize (in the amount of 25000 rubles) and a gold medal of the International contest named after PI Tchaikovsky. Exceptionally gifted pianist has always glorified the bright start in life, spiritual purity and nobility of man - whether he played "Sonata", VA Mozart′s "Fantasia" by F. Chopin, "Variations" PI Tchaikovsky, or even full of anxiety and rage "Sixth Symphony" by S. Prokofiev.

Two Second Prizes (for 20000 rubles) and silver medals awarded Soviet pianist L. Vlasenko and Chinese musician Liu Shikunyu.

Thus, competition of PI Tchaikovsky′s become such a huge phenomenon in the international scale, which, of course, required to continue. And soon the Soviet Government has decided to hold the contest in Moscow on a regular basis - once every four years.