The legacy of musical criticism in literature and journalism of Dariya Vikonska during interwar period in the old Galicia

Abstract

Three publications related to the old Galician music life by the writer and art critic Dariya Vikonska (1893–1945), indicate that she set her own „tone” to the diversity of genres and forms of musical criticism and journalism of that time.

In a portrait review Ukrainian Artist in the Concert Hall („Nova khata”, 1927), she managed to reveal the phenomenon of success of the pianist Lubka Kolessa, which lied in the synthesis of upgraded technique, musicality, solid rhythmic foundation and high music culture.

Feedback to Music Event (Impressions of the Concert), published in „Dilo”, was dedicated to artistic events on the occasion of Ivan Franko’s tombstone opening in Lviv in 1933. The author claimed that the concert was an important event in the national and cultural development, and informed about the appearance of new original works and characterized them.

In the publication Ternopil to Lysenko („Naperedodni”, 1937), which came out after the concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Mykola Lysenko’s death, D. Vikonska acknowledged the high performing level of the program, which was based exclusively on composer’s art pieces.

Being on the „borderline” between journalism, science and literature, and aware of the resources of music-critical work for the implementation of national-patriotic and civic-educational goals, Vikonska became the spiritual successor of I. Franko. By genres, her works can be considered as hybrid. The first two refer to musical journalism, the third one is outlined as musical critique. All of them reflected her scientific interests as an art historian and a researcher of gender and national-psychological issues. They emphasised her originality and valuable contribution.