On Reading V. Shukshyn Choral Symphony
Russian composer Valery Gavrilin (b. 1939, Volodga: d. 1999, St. Petersburg) completed his thirteen movement composition Chimes in 1982 and subtitled it Upon Reading V. Shukshyn Miracle Play - Choral Symphony. Throughout the piece one finds the image of an endless road - as a river of life - travelled by generation to generation. Playful and rhythmic, the nonsensical and happy-go-lucky narrative of the fourth movement is enhanced by onomatopoeic text and thick chordal texture.