Klaipėdos universitetas

Research into the specificity of the personal and artistic formation of the contemporary composer Victor Stepurko based on material from the early stage of his work is relevant. It is important to research not only specific issues from the personal side of his artistic growth, but also those that present themselves to Ukrainian society as a whole: the revival of traditions and the awareness of originality at a national level. In the wider context of European art, these features mark the stylistic specifics of Stepurko’s choral music.

The article explores the musical culture of East Prussia of the 18th c. in different forms of its expression. The epoch of Enlightenment provided a new impetus for the development of the culture in the region. The Protestant Lutheran hymnody was developing, and the tradition of Evangelical surinkimai (prayer hours held in private homes by lay preachers (German: Stundenhalters)) was progressing. Königsberg University was of great significance for the promotion of the regional culture. In the 18th c., the East Prussian school of composition was born, different techniques of instrumental ensemble and solo music making started developing, the house music making traditions were gaining popularity, and big cities had the first musical theatres. It was in that context that the personality of Donelaitis and the character of his cultural activity was maturing and developing.