The Orpheus' Image in Old Russian Origins

Main Article Content

Nina B. Zakharina

Abstract

The article is devoted to the Old Russian adaptation of basic antique image of the musician, Orpheus’ image. Various kinds of origins have been analyzed. Fine Art demonstrates a synthetic image of the singer with a string instrument. Its genealogy goes back to Orpheus’ antique image and includes features of Old Testament King David and Christ himself. In Old Russia this image was connected with legendary singer Boyan, whose image came from Scandinavian epos. This composite type existed in architecture, book miniatures and was deciphered in literature and hagiography with one or the other name. Narrative sources translated from Greek contain references to the antique singer’s name. As “The Life” affirms, St. John was an heir of the king David and surpassed Orpheus and other ancient singers. Another origin on the topic is Gregory of Nazianzus’ oration on the Holy Lights of the Epiphany. Orpheus is considered at this point as an initiator of service among Thracians. Maxim the Greek in his comments to the “Speech” presented Orpheus as a prophet. The information was summarized in Old Russian 16th–17th century lexicographical works named Azbukovniki. Orpheus was showed as the musician who controlled the nature.


Keywords: Orpheus, Maxim the Greek, Azbukovnik, Sergius Shelonin

Article Details

How to Cite
Zakharina Н. Б. (2024). The Orpheus’ Image in Old Russian Origins. Music Scholarship / Problemy Muzykal’noj Nauki, 55(2), 158–170. https://doi.org/10.17674/2782-3601.2024.2.158-170
Section
Theory and History of Culture
Author Biography

Nina B. Zakharina, Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory, St. Petersburg. Russia

DrSci (Arts), Associate Professor at the Old Russian Singing Art Department