“Girlfriends”. Music to the film

“Girlfriends”. Music to the film

Op. 41, No. 2.

For instrumental ensembles and orchestra. 1934–1935; Leningrad

Originally Op. 41. The fractional opus number arose due to Shostakovich’s error, forgetting to include the Music to the film Maxim’s Youth in the list of works sent to G. M. Schneerson in a letter dated January 28, 1941. As a result, the number 41 designates two opuses: Music to the film Maxim's Youth, Op. 41, No. 1, and Music to the film Girlfriends,Op. 41, No. 2.

Screenplay by L. O. Arnshtam and R. R. Vasilyeva based on the story The First Komsomol Members by R. R. Vasilyeva, directed by L. O. Arnshtam. Choir of the State Academic Capella, choirmaster E. P. Kudryavtseva; the L. S. Auer Quartet; pianist B. G. Golts; theremin player K. I. Kovalsky. Produced by Lenfilm Studio (1st Film Workshop under the artistic direction of S. I. Yutkevich).

Cast:

Zoya - Z. A. Fedorova, Natasha - I. P. Zarubina, Senka - B. P. Chirkov, Mother - V. N. Popova, Grandmother - M. M. Blumenthal-Tamarina, Asya - Ya. B. Zheimo, Andrei - B. A. Babochkin, Silych - B. D. Poslavsky.
Orchestra:
Piccolo, 2 Flauti, 2 Oboi, 2 Clarinetti (B), 2 Fagotti, Contrafagotto —4 Corni (F), 3 Trombe (B), 3 Tromboni, Tuba — Timpani, Tamburo, Piatti — Piano, Organo,Termenvox — Archi.

MUSICAL NUMBERS FROM SURVIVING AUTOGRAPHS

1. Prelude for string quartet, trumpet, and piano (before the re-dubbing, it was played over the credits). Allegro
2. Prelude for string quartet (according to the plot: children carrying lunch to the factory learn of the beginning of a strike). Allegretto
3. Prelude for string quartet, trumpet, and piano (plot: anxious anticipation of the strikers' arrival). Allegretto
4. Tavern. For string quartet, trumpet, and piano (plot: "The Keys to Happiness" at the tavern). Allegro moderato
5. Prelude [for flute, clarinet, trumpet, string quartet, and piano (?)] (plot: a scandal at the tavern—the children are not allowed to sing and are thrown out).
6. Prelude for string quartet, trumpet, and piano (plot: on the river, after Silych's story). Allegretto
7. Night Tavern. For string quartet, trumpet, and piano (plot: back at the tavern—the children are getting ready to sing a revolutionary song). Allegretto
8. Prelude for trumpets and organ (plot: grown-up girlfriends going to a rally).
9. Prelude for timpani and organ (plot: waiting for the hospital train).
10. Prelude for viola and cello (plot: Zoya making her way through the forest to the hut). Moderato
11. Prelude for string quartet and piano (plot: Zoya and Senka meeting in the forester's hut). Andante
12. Finale. For string quartet and symphony orchestra (plot: Andrey's speech over Asya's body). Adagio

PERFORMANCES

March 19, 1984. UK, London, Queen Elizabeth Hall. E. Crowley (trumpet), A. Balanescu and E. Perry (violins), S. Rowland-Jones (viola), E. Wilson (cello), and E. Ball (piano). Performed Prelude for String Quartet, Trumpet, and Piano (No. 1).
September 25, 1985. Moscow, Moscow Concert Hall. Borodin Quartet (M. Kopelman, A.Abramenkov, D. Shebalin, V. Berlinsky), L. Berlinskaya (piano), and I. Shkolnik (trumpet). Performed Preludes Nos. 1, 2, and 6.
November 30, 2009. France, Paris, Salle Cortot. Danel Quartet, A. Acquisto (trumpet), M. Dürüoğlu (piano). The Suite of Seven Preludes (compiled by O. G. Digonskaya) was performed.