Ivan the Terrible Sticherons on the «podoben» dedicated TO Vladimir Icon of the Bless ed Theotokos

Abstract

The authors examine the chants of Ivan the Terrible — sticherons dedicated to Vladimir Icon of
the Blessed Theotokos (Virgin Mary). The tsar used the traditional old Russian musical hymnographical art principle — to compose chants following the sample (podoben). The researchers conducted a study based on textual method of structural formulae analysis, worked out by them. They argue that tsar took as a model the ancient podoben “O divnoe chudo” (“O wonder of wonders”). But it is not only this. He used the series of hymnographical texts ascending to it. There were above all the sticherons from the Theotokos divine services. Revealing the essence of tsar authorship, the researchers came to the conclusion. Despite the tight frameworks of the canonical rules to compose chants following the sample (podoben) Ivan the Terrible was able to show a significant degree of creative freedom. He was an educated master, had the deepest understanding of the original sources, the skill and artistry of their processing, expressed in translating them creatively. Thanks to tsar’s skill his sticherons have become a fine example of the new meanings creation based on traditions.