Volkov Fedor Grigorievich: short biography

Fedor Grigoryevich Volkov (1729-1763) - a universal figure of culture: the creator of the Russian theater, actor, writer. He lived only 34 years, but his talents were multifaceted. His energy, mind, personal abilities went to the organization of the Russian stage in the province, and then in the capital. It was depicted by one of the best painters of the time, A. Losenko. The artist managed a portrait resemblance. Volkov Fedor Grigorievich, whose portrait picture is presented here, looks calmly and clearly at the viewer. The spiritual riches of this extraordinary man are revealed: dignity, living intellect, activity.

Early maturation

In the family of the Kostroma merchant Grigory Volkov and his wife, Matryona Yakovlevna, five sons were born. The elder was named Fedor. He was only 7 years old when his father passed away, and his mother remarried for a second time, the energetic, enterprising and elderly Yaroslavl merchant FV Polushkin. He founded factories and looked for his companions. And with helpers, he made all his stepsons. At this time Fedor was 14 years old. To manage the factories, Fedor did not have enough education in Yaroslavl, and his stepfather sent him to Moscow. Thus, in the merchant works Fyodor Grigoryevich Volkov, whose biography was, it would seem, very definitely, came to study in the ancient capital.

In Moscow

Only three years Volkov studied in the Zaikonospassky Academy, discovering natural abilities and talents. During this time, he only studied the basics of basic subjects, and in addition, seriously engaged in music: playing the harp and violin, singing on notes.

Homecoming

Returning to Yaroslavl, Volkov Fyodor Grigoryevich continues his studies with a pastor who accompanied E. I. Biron in exile, and mastered the German language perfectly. At the same time, he himself learns to draw and draw, which later will be very useful to him. But my stepfather, after holding Fedor for a couple of years at home, sends him to Petersburg to study modern methods of commerce.

Acquaintance with the theater

Entering the German trading company and seriously engaged in business, Volkov Fyodor Grigorevich accidentally gets to the play of the Italian opera. It was a magnificent sight with magnificent scenery, which was often replaced with the help of cars. Then Fyodor Grigorievich went to the theater more than once and carefully sketched everything. But the acting was weak. Then, to comprehend it, he comes to a private German theater, which came to Petersburg. There he watches dramas and comedies and gets to know the leading actors, quickly delving into theatrical play. So it takes about two years.

Return to Yaroslavl

When his stepfather died, Volkov Fedor Grigoryevich headed the work of the factories and trade. He had to conduct litigation and cases, according to which he visited Petersburg. There he visited the play of the Gentry Corps. Sumarokov's drama was given in Russian. And he had an idea to start a theater in Yaroslavl. Together with his brothers and friends at home, he begins rehearsals, looking for a place where you can give a performance. To begin with, this is just the stone barn of his stepfather. But the presentation was successful, and Volkov begins to collect money by subscription to the construction of the theater. They meet him halfway. And the next year he is building the wooden building of the first public theater. Wolves turn out to be one in many faces. He and the director, and director, and painter, and actor. Everything succeeds in capturing this original talent of a young 22-year-old boy, who was Fedor Grigoryevich Volkov. The theater has been working successfully for over a year. But an inspector is sent to the provinces from St. Petersburg, who, in order to brighten up time, attends the performances of the theater. He even reports to the Empress about that glorious institution that exists in Yaroslavl. Volkova, along with the troupe, the Empress Elizaveta Petrovna summons to St. Petersburg.

In a new place

Elizaveta Petrovna loved masquerades, and she liked the new idea. She had always loved opera and ballet beforehand, but there was no permanent Russian troupe in the capital, and once in Yaroslavl the theater has been working for more than a year, it is necessary to get acquainted with it. And a month later in the winter in North Palmira came 12 people. At the end of March 1752, before the empress and her associates, Volkov and his actors gave an introduction. Elizabeth Petrovna ordered to teach actors to draw, to languages, to dances, to music in the privileged Shlyachta Corps. And they study only perfectly. In two years everyone decides that they are already sufficiently prepared. In 1756 the Empress issued a decree on the creation of the Russian Theater.

Public Theater

The theater was very poorly financially supported by the authorities. Everything depended on the enthusiasm of Director A. Sumarokov and actor F. Volkov. In addition, and it was very important for that time - women were introduced into the structure. Previously, all female roles were performed by young men. The Russian Theater did not have its own building and wandered from one room to another, and the salary to the director and actors was not paid for months. This situation can only be tolerated by true lovers of dramatic art. In addition, their performances allowed only noblemen who preferred Italian operas and French ballets and looked with contempt at Russian actors. The audience went to the performances not on their own hunt, but under the compulsion of the empress. There was no order in the auditorium. Therefore, he was guarded by police. In such conditions the Russian theater began to work.

Fate and masquerade

In 1761, the director became F. Volkov. He remained, as before, an actor, wrote plays for his offspring, refused high court ranks and orders, and only dealt with what his soul was attracted to. In 1762, after ascension to the throne of Catherine II, he had the right to enter it without a report. It was Volkov who was entrusted in honor of the coronation of the Empress in Moscow to arrange a large multi-day masquerade of unprecedented splendor. Volkov began with great enthusiasm for his organization. Work on the street, for the people - the highest dream of the creator. For three days this street performance continued, people poured into the streets and occupied places on the roofs. It was magnificent, rich and instructive. And Volkov spent all three winter days on the street, in the wind, looking everywhere and succeeding. However, after the end of the masquerade, he felt tired and unwell, and then went blind and did not rise. On April 4, 1763, Fedor Grigoryevich Volkov graduated from his earthly career. A brief biography of the genius man who created the Russian theater is examined in this article.