Music Scene :: Interview with the Titov’s

Each evening, after a long teaching day I indulge in a binge of Instagram and Facebook scrolling.

One evening by happenstance I was fortunate to discover a performance of exquisite piano music. It was his “In The Waves” performance that stopped me in my tracks. I had to find out who the pianist was and what he was playing. So began my journey to learn about composers Vladimir and Svetlana Titov and their beautiful new genre of piano music they have entitled, Inspirism.

I reached out to Mr. Titov and was delighted to find him warm and engaging. When asked to do a blog interview for my students and readers, he was glad to oblige. I’m excited to present their story to you.

Q1. Your style of piano composition is referred to as Inspirism. For my piano students, would you please describe what this style means or represents?

A1. The notion “Inspirism” contains numerous overtones and tints which, one way or another, are harmoniously united. One can recall cognate and semantically accordant words “spirit” (soul, mood), “to inspirit” (to inspire, to animate), “inspiring” (invigorating, incentive, spirit-turning), and finally “to enspirit” (to animate, to enliven). Therefore the aesthetic message of the style is a transmission of positive attitude towards the world associated with inspiration, animation, enthusiasm, love for life and striving for the true Design of Creator experience. Let us remind that one of the meanings of the word “spirit” is true sense. The dominant of Inspirism esthetics is a category of “LOVE” in the broadest sense, an embodiment of the most beautiful and eternal in the Universe. One of the main ideas of Inspirism, in our understanding, is a true reflection of the category of “beautiful” in our creativity, which corresponds to the genuine purpose of all arts, including music.

Q2. What is the difference between Inspirism and other music styles?

A2. Despite having common characteristics with some other styles (for example, with Romanticism, Impressionism, Jazz), Inspirism is a fundamentally innovative approach to creativity and composition. Inspirism, unlike Romanticism, does not reflect a conflict between personality and reality, neither is it emotionally charged art like Impressionism. Inspirism is not characterized by improvisation or swing – the fundamental features of Jazz, etc.

Q3. How do you compose?

A3. First, there appears an idea or feeling, mood or image. We are listening to these vibrations. Then we are drawing out these sensations into the material world. At first, the image is blurred. Gradually it becomes clearer and sharper. The composition process is permanent and often comes simultaneously with other things. Sometimes the composition reveals itself differently from what it was originally intended to be as if it lives its own life. When the music is already born and put down on the score, we keep on listening into it so that to comprehend its deepest essence. Only after the piece is finished, there comes the title of the work. It is like giving a name to a newly born child. It is not easy to find the right words which would reflect the musical image. All our pieces have a descriptive title: this way I emphasize the individuality of each composition’s “face”.

Q4. What bright musical moment is remembered from childhood?

A4. Meeting with Jazz! This is a special world! The boundless world of “delicious” harmony, savory rhythms and incredible imagination! In our childhood, we “got sick” with jazz and so far this “disease” has not passed.

Q5. How do your views on creativity change over the years?

A5. Our views on creativity do not change. Music that is created by composers, regardless of its style, should resonate with a human soul, it should fill one with joy, happiness, it ought to satisfy all various emotional demands. Then people would gain deep, genuine interest and love for music.

Q6. Do you currently have a manager? If so, what tasks does a manager handle on your behalf?

A6. We do not have a manager. But we have business partners with whom we work together on creative projects.

Q7. Your music is accessible, understandable, interesting. How do you feel about the expression: “Music must speak”.

A7. Of course, music must carry certain thoughts, feelings, energy, creative message. Otherwise, it is not music, but just a collection of sounds.

Q8. What is the concept of “Russian music” for you?

A8. This is music with an open wide soul, with transcendental emotions! Deep, strong, kind, impossibly beautiful!

Q9. Do you have other composers whose works you are fond of playing or championing? If so, may I ask who and which works?

A9. Our favorite composers are Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Debussy, Ravel, Vagif and Aziza Mustafazadeh. Each person has his own mission. We think that our mission is to compose new music – music of the 21st century. Time is the most valuable thing in life. Therefore, we should focus only on our creativity.

Q10. What would you like to be asked about?

A10. Can love end? Our answer is no! True LOVE has no time, it has always been and never will end, it has neither beginning nor end! LOVE – ETERNAL!!!

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To learn more about these visionary pianists, visit their website.

To hear recordings, visit the Audio webpage on the Titov’s website.

You may check out his music publications and PDF scores, too.

Follow him on Facebook and Instagram and enjoy performances on their YouTube channel.

Were you inspired? Please share your inspiration in the comment section below.
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Thank you for your interest and support!

For more on the interviewer, Pastimes for a Lifetime’s founder/instructor Linda Wehrli, visit the website.

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