Modalities of meanings, permutations of historical time and reflections on Beethoven in the symphonic composition "Fires" by Raminta Šerkšnytė

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: "Ugnys"; Beethoveno Penktoji simfonija; Bethoveno V simfonija; Bipoliarinis efektas; Diptikas; Komunikacija; Likimo leitmotyvas; Likimo motyvas; Permutacija; Raminta Šerkšnytė; Recepcija; Semantika; Ugnies simbolika; Ugnys; "Fires"; Beethoven V Symphony; Bipolar effect; Communication; Diptych; Fate motif; Fires; Permutations; Raminta Šerkšnytė; Reception; Semantic; Symbolism of Fire; The 5th symphony of Beethoven.

ENRaminta Šerkšnytė’s newest symphonic composition is an exceptionally interesting object of study, which allows us to perceive historical, cultural and mythological contexts, and carries messages of historical communication to a modem audience. The composition also presumes certain manifestations of historical time permutations and metabolisms. The work was commissioned by the Bavarian Radio Orchestra on the initiative of Mariss Jansons. Knowing that Fires would precede Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in the programme, Raminta Šerkšnytė chose the most important motive of the symphony (known as the Fate motif) and its variants. They became the foundation for the harmonic and rhythmic development of the new composition. This motivic material is developed consistently until the final formation and sounding of the authentic Beethoven motif in the last bars. In a sense the composer creates a singular “prehistory” for the 5th Symphony - a narration recounting the birth of the “Fate motif.” The composition Fires prompted the exploration of how a symphonic piece can transmit semantic, cultural, as well as historical contexts and conventions; what geographic and communicative territories it can occupy; what kind of messages it can send to the contemporary listener. The composition reflects in various directions - from mythological symbolism (Fire), the image of Beethoven to the present day, encompassing even the most personal experiences. [From the publication]