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Файл:About Music at the Lessons of English. Хрестоматия по чтению на английском языке для студентов очного и заочного отделений специальностей 070100 «Музы.pdf
ishly scored Concerto of 1919, now arranged for two pianos and orchestra and
considerably revised. He had become a perfectly serious composer though one
always intent on writing in a modern and enterprising way. He had become so
sure of himself that he could vary his style and adapt it to the special purpose
of each new work without in the least sacrificing his artistic personality. At the
same time he had by no means lost his interest in previously untried ways and
means. A work of 1923, for example, showed him as trying his hand at the
same time upon a new medium and a new way of dealing with words. This
was the enchanting Pastoral for a small chorus, mezzo-soprano solo, flute,
string orchestra and drums, set to a little anthology of bucolic verse.
In a quintet for oboe and strings he approached a beautifully mature
chamber style. No less fine is the sonata for viola and piano (1934), a spa-
ciously planned work demanding great virtuosity.
Arthur Bliss' music was much admired for the qualities of decorative
stateliness and fierceness which exactly match the scenario. He has written
copiously: ballet, orchestral pieces, chamber music, concertos and film music.
Notes:
1. a period of hostilities – период вынужденных действий;
2. Shakespeare's Tempest – пьеса В. Шекспира «Буря», Артур Блисс
написал музыку по произведению В. Шекспира;
3. Colour Symphony – «Цветная симфония», оркестровое произведе-
ние написано в 1922 г.;
4. Hymn to Apollo – «Гимн Аполлону», произведение написано
в 1926 г.
A GREAT COMPOSER, CONDUCTOR AND PIANIST
Benjamin Britten is an English composer, pianist, conductor, public-
man and outstanding representative of modern English music. He played the
piano at seven, composed an oratorio at nine, and had written a symphony,
quartets, and other works by the time he was sixteen.
The composer first attracted attention in 1934 with the music he com-
posed for the International Society for Contemporary Music. During World
31
War II, while living in the United States, he was commissioned to write an op-
era. This work, Peter Grimes, was successfully produced in the USA and
abroad.
Though he was early attracted to the atonal music of Schoenberg and
somewhat later was influenced by Mahler's post-Romanticism, Britten has ad-
hered to no single style. He is essentially an eclectic composer whose manner
of writing is influenced by the aesthetic requirement of the work he is produc-
ing. He has written in many different veins – sometimes even in the same
work – and always with a brilliant command of his technique, complete fac-
ulty, and lack of inhibitions in his self-expression. At his best, he has engaging
warmth and a fine poetic speech.
He has been especially successful in the writing of realistic music set to
a definite verbal text, whether in song or in opera. His talent for re-creating
atmospheric backgrounds in his music, for evoking the exact mood of his text,
and for projecting dramatic climaxes has been exceptional. What was written
in the press about Peter Grimes might apply to all of Britten's works: "He has
found a right symbol for every situation, and every page bears evidence of dis-
tinction and originality."
The opera Peter Grimes, placed Britten among the major composers of
England, a position he solidified with subsequent works.
Among his other compositions are Let's Make an Opera, composed es-
pecially for young people, Beggar's Opera, Midsummer Night's Dream, Billy
Budd, War Requiem and The Turn of the Screw. While Britten's special gift
lies in his music for the stage, he has written a great deal of chamber music
and music for the orchestra, including the popular Young Person's Guide to
the Orchestra.
Notes:
1. aesthetic requirement – эстетическое требование;
2. Peter Grimes – «Питер Граймс» – опера, написанная в 1945 г.
(в центре оперы герой по имени Питер необычного типа, изгой,
терзаемый психологическими комплексами);
3. Beggar's Opera – «Опера нищего», опера написана в середине
40-х гг. XX столетия;
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4. Midsummer Night's Dream – «Сон в летнюю ночь», детская опера
(волшебная сказка), написана в 1958 г.;
5. Billy Budd – «Билли Бадд», опера (психологическая драма), написа-
на в 1951 г.;
6. War Requiem – «Военный реквием», музыка для хора, написана
в 1961 г.;
7. The Turn of the Screw – «Поворот винта», опера (символическая
фантасмагория), написана в 1954 г.;
8. Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra – «Путеводитель по оркестру
для молодежи» – вариации и фуга на тему Пёрселла, написаны
в 1946 г.
LLOYD WEBBER
Lloyd Webber, Sir Andrew was born on the 22 of March, 1948, in Lon-
don, England.
He is an English composer whose eclectic rock-based works helped
revitalize British and American musical theatre in the late 20th century.
Lloyd Webber studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, and at the Royal
College of Music. While a student he began collaborating with
Timothy Rice
on dramatic productions, with Rice writing the lyrics to Lloyd Webber's mu-
sic. Their first notable venture was
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat (1968), a pop oratorio for children that earned worldwide popular-
ity in a later full-length version. It was followed by the rock opera Jesus Christ
Superstar (1971), an extremely popular though controversial work that
blended classical forms with rock music to tell the story of Jesus' life. This
show was one of the longest-running musicals in British theatrical history.
Lloyd Webber's last major collaboration with Rice was on
Evita (1978), a mu-
sical about Eva Perón, the wife of the Argentine dictator Juan Perón.
In his next major musical,
Cats (1981), Lloyd Webber set to music
verses from a children's book by T.S. Eliot. The London production of Cats
became the longest-running musical in the history of British theatre, and in
1997 the Broadway production of the play eclipsed the record set by A Chorus
33
Line to become the longest-running show ever on Broadway; on September
10, 2000, Cats closed after 7,485 performances. With lyricists Charles Hart
and Richard Stilgoe, Lloyd Webber then composed a hugely popular musical
version of
The Phantom of the Opera (1986). His other musicals included
Song and Dance (1982), Starlight Express (1984), and Aspects of Love (1989).
He was knighted in 1992.
Lloyd Webber's best musicals were flashy spectacles that featured vivid
melodies and forceful and dramatic staging. He was able to blend such dispa-
rate genres as rock and roll, English music-hall song, and operatic forms into
music that had a wide popular appeal.
Notes:
1. Jesus Christ Superstar – опера «Иисус Христос – Суперзвезда»,
1971.
2. Evita – мюзикл «Эвита», 1978.
3. Cats – мюзикл «Кошки», 1981.
4. The Phantom of the Opera – мюзикл «Призрак оперы», 1986.
5. Starlight Express – мюзикл «Звездный экспресс», 1984.
6. Aspects of Love – мюзикл «Лики любви», 1989.
ARTS AND CULTURE OF GREAT BRITAIN
ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL LIFE OF GREAT BRITAIN
Artistic and cultural life in Britain is rather rich. It passed several main
stages in its development.
The Saxon King Alfred encouraged the arts and culture. The chief debt
owed to him by English literature is for his translations of and commentaries
on Latin works.
Art, culture and literature flowered during the Elizabethan age, the reign
of Elizabeth I; it was the period of English domination of the oceans. It was at
this time that William Shakespeare lived.
34
The empire, which was very powerful under Queen Victoria saw
another cultural and artistic hey-day as a result of industrialization and the
expansion of international trade.
But German air raids caused much damage in the First World War and
then during the Second World War. The madness of the wars briefly inter-
rupted the development of culture.
Immigrants who have arrived from all parts of the Commonwealth since
1945 have not only created a mixture of nations, but have also brought their
cultures and habits with them.
Monuments and traces of past greatness are everywhere. There are
buildings of all styles and periods. A great number of museums and galleries
display precious and interesting finds from all parts of the world and from all
stages in the development of nature, man and art.
London is one of the leading world centres for music, drama, opera and
dance. Festivals held in towns and cities throughout the country attract much
interest. Many British playwrights, composers, sculptors, painters, writers, ac-
tors, singers and dancers are internationally famous.
The British Council promotes knowledge of British culture and litera-
ture overseas, organizing British participation in international exhibitions and
encouraging professional interchange in all cultural fields between Britain and
other countries.
Notes:
1. the expansion of international trade – расширение внешней торговли;
2. traces of past greatness – следы былого величия;
3. to display finds – выставлять, демонстрировать находки;
4. to encourage professional interchange – содействовать обмену про-
фессиональным опытом;
5. (the) Elizabethan age – эпоха королевы Елизаветы, правившей с
1558 по 1603 год, получившей известность
в качестве покрови-
тельницы наук и искусств;
6. the British Council – Британский совет (правительственная органи-
зация по развитию культурных связей с зарубежными странами;
создана в 1934 г.)
35
ENTERTAINMENT IN BRITAIN
London is without doubt the entertainment capital of Britain, but many
regional theatres, opera houses and concert halls have varied programmes. Ed-
inburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol in particular have a lot
to offer and there are a number of summer arts festivals around the country
such as those at Bath and Cheltenham. Ticket prices are often cheaper outside
the capital.
Theatres
Britain has an enduring theatrical tradition dating back to Shakespeare
and beyond. All over the country, amateurs and professionals tread the boards
in purpose-built auditoriums, pubs, clubs and village halls. Productions and
performance standards are generally high, and British actors have an interna-
tional reputation.
London is the place to enjoy theatre at its most varied and glamorous.
The West End alone has more than 50 theatres ranging from elaborate Ed-
wardian, upholstered in red plush, to exciting modern buildings such as the
National Theatre on the South Bank in London.
In Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company presents a
year-round programme of Shakespeare, as well as avant-garde and experimen-
tal plays. Bristol also has a long dramatic tradition, the Theatre Royal being
the oldest working theatre in Britain. Some of the best productions outside the
capital can be found at the West Yorkshire Theatre in Leeds, the Royal Ex-
change in Manchester and the Traverse in Edinburgh.
Open-air theatre ranges from the free street entertainment that is to be
found in many city centres, to student performances on the grounds of Cam-
bridge or Oxford colleges or a production at Cornwall's spectacular clifftop
amphitheatre, the Minack Theatre. Every fourth year, York also stages a series
of open-air medieval mystery plays called the York Cycle. Perhaps the liveli-
est theatrical tradition in Britain is the Edinburgh Festival. Seaside resorts put
on summer programmes of lighthearted entertainment, traditionally stand-up
comedy.
36
Ticket availability varies from show to show. You may be able to buy a
ticket at the door, especially for a mid-week matinee, but for the more popular
West End shows tickets may have to be booked weeks or even months in ad-
vance. You can book through agencies and some travel agents, and most ho-
tels will organize theatre tickets for you. Booking fees are often charged. Be-
ware of tickets offered by touts – these may be counterfeit. There are no age
restrictions in Britain's theatres. It is left to your discretion to decide whether a
show is suitable for children.
Music
A diverse musical repertoire can be found in a variety of venues. Church
choral music is a great national tradition and many churches and cathedrals
host concerts. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and
Bournemouth all have their own excellent orchestras. Rock, jazz, folk and
country-and-western concerts are staged periodically in pubs, clubs and some-
times in outdoor auditoria. Wales has a strong musical tradition which you
will come across in many Welsh pubs; northern England is renowned for its
booming brass and silver bands; and Scotland, of course, has its famous bag-
pipers.
Cinemas
The latest films can be seen in any large town. Check the local papers
or the tourist office to find out what is on.
Cinemas are having a revival, with luxurious multi-screen cinemas tak-
ing over from the local, single-screen cinemas. In larger cities a more diverse
range of films is often on offer including more foreign-language productions.
These tend to be shown at arts or repertory cinemas. Mainstream English-
speaking films are usually shown by the big chains. Age limits apply to certain
films. Young children are allowed to see any feature film which is graded with
a U (universal) or PG (parental guidance) certificate. Cinema prices vary
widely; some are cheaper at off-peak times, such as Mondays or afternoons.
For new releases it is advisable to book in advance.
37
Clubs
Most cities have some sort of club scene, though London has the most
famous venues. These may feature live music, discos, or DJ or dance perform-
ances. Some insist on dress codes or members only, and most have doormen,
or "bouncer". Apart from the major cities, Brighton and Bristol have lively
clubs.
Dance
This covers a multitude of activities: everything from classical ballet
and acid-house parties to traditional English Morris dancing or the Scottish
Highland fling, which you may come upon in pubs and villages around the
country.
Dance halls are rarer than they were, but ballroom dancing is alive and
well. Other dance events you may find are ceilidhs (pronounced kay-lee),
which is Celtic dancing and music; May Balls often held at universities (invi-
tation only); dinner or tea dances and square dancing.
Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and is the best
place to see performances outside London. Avant-garde contemporary dance
is also performed.
Notes:
beware of tickets offered by touts – остерегайтесь покупки билетов,
предложенных «зазывалами»;
tickets may be counterfeit – билеты могут быть фальшивыми;
“bounce”=doorman – «вышибала»;
celtic music – кельтская музыка;
venue – место сбора, встречи.
ENTERTAINMENT IN LONDON
London has the enormous variety of entertainment that only the great
cities of the world can provide. The historical backdrop and the lively bustling
atmosphere add to the excitement. Whether dancing the night away at a fa-
38
mous disco or making the most of London's varied arts scene, the visitor has a
bewildering choice. A trip to London is not complete without a visit to the
theatre which ranges from glamorous West End musicals to experimental
Fringe plays. There is world-class ballet and opera in fabled venues such as
Sadler's Wells and the Royal Opera House. The musical menu covers every-
thing from classical, jazz and rock to rhythm and blues performed in atmos-
pheric basement clubs, old converted cinemas and outdoor venues such as
Wembley. Movie buffs can choose from hundreds of films each night. Sports
fans can watch cricket at Lord's or participate in a host of activities from water
sports to ice skating. Time Out, published every Wednesday, is the most com-
prehensive guide to what's on in London, with detailed weekly listings and re-
views. The Evening Standard, The Guardian (Saturday) and The Independent
also have reviews and information on events. If you buy tickets from booking
agencies rather than direct from box offices, do compare prices – and only buy
from ticket touts if you're desperate.
Classical Music, Opera And Dance
London is one of the world's great centres for classical music, with five
symphony orchestras, internationally renowned chamber groups such as the
Academy of St-Martin-in-the-Fields and the English Chamber Orchestra, as
well as a number of contemporary groups. There are performances virtually
every week by major international orchestras and artists, reaching a peak dur-
ing the summer proms season at the Royal Albert Hall. The newly restored
Wigmore Hall has excellent acoustics and is a fine setting for chamber music.
Although televised and outdoor performances by major stars have
greatly increased the popularity of opera, prices at the Royal Opera House
are still aimed at corporate entertainment but the policy now is to keep a few
cheaper seats. The refurbished building is elaborate and productions are often
extremely lavish. English National Opera, based at the London Coliseum, has
more adventurous productions, appealing to a younger audience (nearly all
operas are sung in English). Tickets range from £5 to £200 and it is advisable
to book well in advance.
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The Royal Opera House is also home to the Royal Ballet, and the Lon-
don Coliseum to the English National Ballet, the two leading classical ballet
companies in Britain. Visiting ballets also perform in both. There are numer-
ous young contemporary dance companies that have their own distinctive
style, notably the London Contemporary Dance Theatre, based at The Place
Theatre. Other major dance venues are Sadler's Wells, the Royalty Theatre
and the Chisenhale Dance Space.
The Barbican and South Bank Centre (comprising the Royal Festival
Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room) host an impressive variety of
events ranging from touring opera performances to free foyer concerts.
Elsewhere in London many outdoor musical events take place in sum-
mer at venues such as Kenwood House. Events to look out for are: the Lon-
don Opera Festival (June) with singers from all over the world; the City of
London Festival (July) which hosts a range of varied musical events; and con-
temporary dance festivals Spring Loaded (February-April) and Dance Um-
brella (October).
Rock, Pop, Jazz and Clubs
An ordinary weeknight in London features scores of concerts, ranging
from rock and pop, to jazz, Latin, world, folk and reggae. Many major bands
prefer to play the Brixton Academy and the Forum, both former cinemas.
The number of jazz venues has increased over the last few years.
London's club scene is one of the most innovative in Europe particularly
since 1990, when all-night clubbing (though not drinking) was legalized. It is
dominated by big-name DJs, who host different nights in different clubs and
some of the best clubs are one-nighters. The world-famous mainstream discos
Stringfellows and the Hippodrome are glitzy, expensive and very much part
of the tourist circuit.
Opening times are usually 10pm-3am, but on weekends many clubs
open until 6am.
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