Russia, Moscow, Saint Petersburg in historical songs of the 18th century (to the question of song space)

The article examines the use of place names (toponyms) reflecting the state space of Russia in historical songs of the 18th century. The multi-vector nature of the toponymic field of the name of the Russian state is indicated. Rus’ (an old name) and Russia (a new one), the Muscovite Kingdom (a state) and the Russian State are equally common. The construction of the space of the old capital – Moscow, which received artistic interpretation in the songs of the 16th–17th centuries, is analyzed. The interest of the songs of the 18th century not to the temples of the city, but to its secular space – the streets – is noted. The adoption of the folklore tradition of the new capital of the Russian Empire – Saint Petersburg is studied