First Even Composer Panteleimon Starostin as a Repeater of Spiritual Culture of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North

Abstract

The article is devoted to the life and work of the first Even composer Panteleimon Starostin (1944–2013). His role as a repeater of the spiritual culture of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North is considered by the example of the traditional culture of the Evens. With the general tendency towards extinction of the musical tradition of the small peoples of the North, its figurative content, themes, main motives were comprehended and embodied in the work of the professional Even composer P.M. Starostin. The author of the article believes that the distinctive features of the composer’s style were shaped under the influence of the ethnocultural conditions where the composer’s personality was being formed. At present, his works are producing the spiritual values of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, and above all the Evens, into the world culture space. The article examines the works of the composer, written by him in various genres: opera, chamber instrumental, chamber vocal and piano works, songs, etc. The main findings are supported by specific examples.