I. G. Agafonnikov — Portrait of a Conductor and Teacher

Abstract

The article presents a portrait of the outstanding choral conductor and teacher Igor Germanovich Agafonnikov (1932–2005) and highlights his pedagogical principles and methodological guidelines. The main feature of Agafonnikov's pedagogical style is the ability to create an atmosphere of special trust and respect towards students. It is pointed out the continuity of his pedagogical work with the historic traditions of Russian choral school represented by his mentors: Evstolia Nikolaevna Zvereva in the School at the Moscow State Conservatory named after P. I. Tchaikovsky and Vasily Petrovich Mukhin at the Moscow Conservatory. The author considers the main provisions of I. G. Agafonnikov's methodological work "Reflections on Choirmaster Training in the Middle Level of Musical Education", which fully reflects the fundamental principles of the teacher-conductor. Characteristic features of his individual pedagogical style, based on the liberal-democratic and tolerant methods of students' education under constant activity of all participants of the pedagogical process, are summarized. The professor's methodological approach to the work with students and the choir is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the rehearsal process, in which the conductor encourages the singers to perform consciously and meaningfully.