Alexander Tcherepnin’s First symphony

Abstract

Alexander Tcherepnin’s First Symphony was his first major work for orchestra. In this thesis I will reassess the work by discussing three compositional challenges that he faced by writing a symphony in the 1920s. First, Tcherepnin’s incorporation of new compositional trends of the 1920s will be examined to contextualize his symphony. Secondly, the general challenges confronting modern symphonists will be summarized, based on the views of prominent critics and scholars. Finally, Tcherepnin’s unique compositional method will be assessed, based on its capability to produce the qualities traditionally associated with the symphonic genre. The examination of each of these challenges will provide a means for assessing Tcherepnin’s achievement and understanding its relationship to symphonic traditions.