A new look at the history of modernization of Belarusian cymbals. Problems of production, training of craftsmen and the quality of tools.

The article chronologically presents historical information about the modernization of Belarusian cymbals in the context of the fate of innovators. The problem of transition to an industrial society is raised on the example of the production of cymbals and gender changes in the field of cymbal art. The influence of the socio-political environment on cultural processes in society is investigated. The origins of the quality problem of the Belarusian musical instrument cymbal are analyzed. The problem of professional education of masters of musical instruments, in particular, masters of manufacturers of the Belarusian folk instrument cymbals, is raised. The article examines the experience of other countries in training masters and conducting professional skill contests among musical instrument manufacturers. Previously unknown archival documents revealing tragic secrets, white spots of the biographies of Zhinovich and Sushkevich have been studied. The dogma about the merits of Joseph Zhinovich, well-established in the circle of specialists, is being questioned. It is concluded that the first stage of the modernization of cymbals is revolutionary, much more significant than the subsequent refinement. Historical justice is being restored in relation to the authors of the first stage of modernization – Zakhar and Sushkevich. For the first time, the focus of the study shifts from the cymbalists of teachers, performers, repertoire, teaching methods to the quality of instruments and the education of masters. It is proposed to adopt the experience of neighboring countries in holding competitions for masters who make cymbals in order to improve the quality of the instrument.