Affiliation
The Gnesins Russian Academy of Music, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
This interview with Veniamin Smekhov was conducted as part of a special project by the “Music Academy”—the publication of the recording and score of Edison Denisov’s “Blue Notebook.” In it, the actor revisits the role of narrator, which he performed for the first time at the work’s Moscow premiere in 1985. Reflecting on the circumstances that led him to take on a role atypical for him within a work of musical avant-garde, Smekhov recounts the history of his friendship with Denisov and their many years of collaboration—both at the Taganka Theatre under the direction of Yuri Lyubimov and in his own directorial productions. The conversation also touches on composer Luigi Nono’s visit to the USSR and offers Smekhov’s recollections of other composers associated with the Taganka, including Dmitri Shostakovich, Alfred Schnittke, Nikolai Karetnikov, and Yuri Butsko.
For citation
Verin-Galitskaya, A. D. “Veniamin Smekhov: ‘Everyone was laughing, but Denisov listened grimly’,” Muzykal’naya akademiya [Music Academy], no. 3, 2025, pp. 22–33, doi:10.34690/476. (In Russ.)
Published
14.08.2025
Approved
11.09.2025
Submitted
23.09.2025
© Верин-Галицкая А. Д., 2025
