![]() |
Artemiy VedelSpiritual composer
Country:
![]() |
Content:
Biography of Artemy Vedel
Artemy Vedel was a spiritual composer born into a Kiev merchant family. He studied at the Kiev Theological Academy, where he directed the student choir. Afterwards, he became the regent of the Moscow Governor-General's chapel and later studied under Sarti in Moscow. Vedel went on to lead choirs in Kiev and Kharkiv. He embarked on a long journey through Little Russia, devoting himself to acts of self-denial. According to some accounts, during this time he joined the Illuminati sect.
Arrest and Imprisonment
Vedel was suspected of composing a political note and was arrested in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Although he managed to prove his innocence, he was imprisoned in a mental institution in Kiev for vagrancy. Struggling with melancholy, Vedel remained there until his death.
Legacy
Vedel's compositions are known for their melodic, simple, and expressive nature. They continue to be performed by church choirs, primarily in the provinces. The original manuscripts of Vedel's works are preserved in the library of the Kiev Theological Academy. The majority of these manuscripts are concertos, with notable pieces including "Preachers of Faith," "The Lord Will Save Me" (an imitation of Sarti), "Hear, O Lord, My Voice," and "Have Mercy on Me, O Lord, for I Am Weak." Another popular composition is "Open the Doors of Repentance" (trio).
In 1908-1910, many of Vedel's compositions were published under the editorship of M.A. Holtison. While Vedel's works may be outdated and lacking in harmonic complexity, they are filled with sentimentality and showcase his undeniable talent. Given different circumstances, Vedel's creativity could have produced even greater results.