This essay is dedicated to the memory of the composer Alexander Knaifel (1943–2024), with whom the author had both artistic and warm friendship relations. The text reflects a personal perception of the musical aesthetics of this unique composer and outlines some special features of his personality. It reproduces some vivid episodes of professional and friendly communication, in particular, it describes the “almost ritual” of listening together to one of Knaifel’s important works, Agnus Dei, which took place at his home in June 1988 during the 3rd International Music Festival. The author also shares his impression of this work’s almost “silent” music and its unusual, radical idea, which generates a powerful flow of thoughts, feelings and associations.
Tarnopolski, V. G. “Worlds and sounds by Alexander Knaifel.” Muzykal’naya akademiya [Music Academy], no. 3, 2024, pp. 6–9, doi:10.34690/407. (In Russ.)
