DICHOTOMY OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE IN SOLO AND ENSEMBLE VARIETY VOCAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The study describes the functioning of solo and ensemble forms of vocal variety art in its historical dynamics. The research methodology is based on the application of historical, cultural, comparative and analytical methods, which became the basis for the holistic characteristics of modern variety performing in its solo and ensemble versions. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time in Ukrainian science solo and ensemble variety performing in the dichotomy of individual and collective were considered. Individual and collective in variety vocal art are manifested through the interaction of solo and ensemble principles. An analysis of the historical development of the world vocal stage has revealed a systemic change in the performing compositions: each new decade is marked by the priority of either solo or ensemble singing. In the 1970s ensemble singing dominates the world stage. The aesthetics of vocal richness, combined with the image of a rock or pop group as a single collective, contributed to the cultivation of ensemble performance in pop music. 1980s became a period of priority for solo singing on the stage, where all attention was concentrated on the leader of the collective, whose function was performed by the vocalist. During this period, pop aesthetics radically changed: ensemble singing was transformed into solo as the most appropriate to the spirit of individualism. The evolution of forms of vocal performance in variety art is due to the gradual change of core and periphery. Solo singing is born in the bowels of the ensemble – individualization of parts over time leads to the release of solo, and all the others eventually lose their significance and acquire the features of backing vocals. We designated this transitional type of singing as pseudo-ensemble, it historically precedes the transformation of the performing staff. In the era of the priority of solo performance among famous pop artists, duets and other collective forms of variety singing are gaining popularity, which indicate the importance of ensemble forms for solists vocalists.

Key words: variety vocal art, musical performance, solo singing, ensemble singing, rock music, pop music, image, producing.