The chamber opera “Poor Lisa” by Leonid Desyatnikov: a dialogue with “Pelleas and Melisande” by Claude Debussy

The aim of this study is to identify the continuity between L. A. Desyatnikov’s first chamber opera “Poor Liza” (1976) and C. Debussy’s opera “Pelleas and Melisande” (1902). Through comparative analysis the article identifies common stylistic features prevalent in these works. These include weakened theatricality shown in the static dramaturgy of operas and weak specificity in the presentation of plots; emotional monochrome caused by vocal recitation and ostinato; the gloomy atmosphere of the action created by cold orchestral timbres, dissonant harmony, tragic instrumental episodes and manifestations of fate; the alliance of music and words reflected in their structural relationship and symbolistic interpretation of literary text. These features determine the shape of the libretto, the musical drama, and the musical language of both operas. The research’s novelty lies in its first identification of the influence of “Pelleas and Melisande” on the opera “Poor Liza”, an influence the composer himself repeatedly acknowledged. The study established that Desyatnikov interprets Debussy’s artistic inventions through the prism of his own style, and the shared qualities of “Pelleas…” and “Poor Liza” are in tune with the traditions of the Soviet chamber opera genre.