Penderecki: Music for Chamber Orchestra

Kaleidoscope

Moc: Emotions

Zielenski: Offertoria totius anni / Communiones totius anni

The songs presented on this album combine the time of their creation- they were composed around 1915- and their common theme- the world of dreams and fantasies- to create a stunning program. The similarities, however, do not end there, although it is a stylistically and formally diverse repertoire. All compositions were created as an expression of prevailing aesthetic tendencies, sometimes representing their more significant trends, sometimes remaining somewhat off the beaten path. They are a testimony to the unusual turmoil present in Europe at the beginning of the First World War and huge changes-cultural and social. The original, often controversially constructed repertoire of recitals, is one of the characteristics of Joanna Trzeciak- a Polish pianist living in Belgium and educated in Krakow, Warsaw, and Moscow. These contrasts, however, are never accidental, and the goal of a somewhat surprising design is not banally shocking to the listener.

Born in Krakow, Joanna Trzeciak spent her youth in a country where the quest for material goods was not the most important issue. "To be" was more important than "to have." One can lose the fortune, yet the wisdom and knowledge are indestructible. That was the motto she learned at home and to which she is still faithful, even after many years of living in Belgium. The original, often controversially developed repertoire of the pianist's recitals is one of her characteristic features. Confrontations, contrasts, and concepts abound. Besides recording, she tours frequently giving masterclasses and recitals. She also dedicates time to her second great passion- hiking in high mountains. For this recital she has chosen three works by Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Pastorela That Lends It's Title to the CD, Parvule Pupule - Which Means O, Poor Country Boy - Formed Part of a Popular Way of Celebrating the Christmas Holidays in Sarmatian Poland. At This Historical Time Lavish Liturgies Were Officiated, Sumptuous Feasts Consumed at Supper, and Above All, Sentimental Pastorelas Sung; Put Simply, It Was a High Celebration! This Dux Release Is a Musical Record of a Solemn Pastoral Mass, in Other Words, the Christmas Midnight Mass. The Centerpiece Is a Composition By One of the Best-Known European Composer of Polish Music - Marcin Mielczewski.

More than a decade separates Chopin’s four chamber works, a time he filled writing his innumerable solo piano masterpieces. For over a century the last work, the Cello Sonata in g, op. 65 (1845), was met with reserve by Chopin specialists. Today its lasting value is beyond dispute, with musicians eager to perform the work. Chopin’s long, fruitful, relationship with cellist Auguste Franchomme has historical and compositional relevance for all but the Trio, op. 8, and it is in this sense that this CD is a tribute to the musical friendship of Poland’s musical genius and the French cello master.

ANCIENT SONGS

A compilation of early orchestral works by the Polish contemporary composer, Krzysztof Meyer in performances that showcase both his incorporation of modernistic techniques such as the twelve tone system, and his allegiance to traditional classical structures.

Chopin: Piano Works

What makes the trumpet such a unique instrument? It is the trumpet’s greatest asset – its sound - that assigns it its special role. I think of Eddie Calvert, Nini Rosso and Chuck Mangione with their ear-catching, uncomplicated yet beautiful melodies. This CD is not addressed solely to trumpeters but to all music lovers. It is a blend of compositions with a distinctly lyrical flavor, only coincidentally by both Polish and American composers, and includes four world premieres. - Sławomir Cichor

SONGS

Cellist Izabela Buchowska and pianist Jakub Tchorzewski present seven modern works for cello and piano by five contemporary Polish composers including Witold Lutoslawski and the thrice-represented Bartosz Smoragiewicz. Cello Sonatas open and close the program; between are single movement works, three of which here have their world premiere recordings. Ms. Buchowska, a winner of major awards and scholarships, appears at international festivals and major concert halls. Mr. Tchorzewski is also a regular at international festivals and collaborates with leading contemporary musicians.

I would like to say thank you very much to all my fantastic friends engaged in the preparation of this album, all these outstanding artists who patiently supported me, accompanying me during rehearsals and recordings: thank you Daniela, Ewa , Adam! A warm and passionate voice of Ewa, poetry of Adam's sound, and Daniela's artistic interpretation of colors and Latino rubato completely fulfilled all my expectations. The decision to compose tonal music in our times entails a risk - one could be considered an unoriginal and anachronic artist. Each time it i sa matter of choice; in my case the need to communicate with the recipient of the work is perfectly realized within the harmonic tonal system. Sometimes there arise some doubts, whether I do not repeat something that had already been done, or do not reiterate the things that had already been said long time ago. Such uncertainty destroys the creative process and is an obstacle that one has to overcome on his artistic way. Despite that I hope that I succeeded at creating something new and that hte hearers of my music will also find in it, apart from emotions, new and fresh characteristics of my musical language. Being recognizable" is one of the msot beautiful aims of a composer! (Francesco Bottigliero)