Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)

[Brahmsian]

Interested in this revival of enthusiasm in Bacewicz's work. I have had the set of her string quartets on Chandos for years, and I always enjoy revisiting them. Have not heard anything else. Is there a best place to go next? The violin concertos on Chandos look good.

Yup, or the violin sonatas including solo violin sonatas double CD I posted about a few days ago. Or the piano quintets.

I've only had a chance to listen to Volume I of the Violin concertos but they were a big hit for me. VOL II on back order.

The Concerto for String Orchestra is what sparked my interest in the composer.

Just beginning my journey but really enjoying it.

Love the string quartets as well, especially the 3rd!

[Brahmsian]

Second listen to this marvelous disc!  A recommendation for @vers la flamme 

Confession:  The Concerto for String Orchestra, upon the very first time I heard the opening notes to it (and in turn the first notes I had ever heard from this composer), four years ago, signalled that I would be one day exploring this composer's music.  Okay, so I am late in following up on this, but better late than never.  Four years ago, I had listened to a YouTube performance in preparation for my local symphony orchestra's presentation in concert the following day.  I really enjoyed the work and it made an immediate impression on me.

[Brahmsian]

I must be as blind as a bat...I cannot seem to locate any recordings of her Symphonies 1 and 2? 

[Spotted Horses]

I must be as blind as a bat...I cannot seem to locate any recordings of her Symphonies 1 and 2? 

The cpo symphony cycle has just started with 3 and 4. I don't know of recordings of other symphonies.

Second listen to this marvelous disc!  A recommendation for @vers la flamme 

Confession:  The Concerto for String Orchestra, upon the very first time I heard the opening notes to it (and in turn the first notes I had ever heard from this composer), four years ago, signalled that I would be one day exploring this composer's music.  Okay, so I am late in following up on this, but better late than never.  Four years ago, I had listened to a YouTube performance in preparation for my local symphony orchestra's presentation in concert the following day.  I really enjoyed the work and it made an immediate impression on me.

I came upon the Naxos recording after hearing the Hyperion recording of the concerto for string orchestra. I like both and couldn't say which I prefer. You are quite luck to have heard this work in concert!

[Symphonic Addict]

There's an increasing interest in Bacewicz by several record labels lately, and the more, the better, more so if they are first recordings.

[Brahmsian]

There's an increasing interest in Bacewicz by several record labels lately, and the more, the better, more so if they are first recordings.

Interesting, thank you for the heads up.

I like that it's a full Bacewicz disc. I find that so many of her works are on multiple composer discs.

[not edward]

There's an increasing interest in Bacewicz by several record labels lately, and the more, the better, more so if they are first recordings.

This looks interesting--was hoping it was available already but looks like it's first week of May. I think this will be the first digital recording of the concerto for two pianos (I've only heard it on the Olympia CD compilation that was my introduction to this composer).

[Harry]

Thanks for solving this mystery. I wonder if it exists or has been lost.

Its not lost but in possession of family. One day it will be published!

[Harry]

The violin concertos on Chandos look good.

Those are the ones to go for, hugely rewarding!

[Franco_Manitobain]

I'm finally getting around to listening to this disc, and it is outstanding!  I'm particularly floored by the 3rd symphony (Dramatic, jaunty, lively, a great mix of heaviness and lightness!).  This is great music, and I cannot wait for Borowicz and CPO to release Symphonies 1 and 2!  The plan is apparently a three volume set of symphonic works.

[Harry]

I'm finally getting around to listening to this disc, and it is outstanding!  I'm particularly floored by the 3rd symphony (Dramatic, jaunty, lively, a great mix of heaviness and lightness!).  This is great music, and I cannot wait for Borowicz and CPO to release Symphonies 1 and 2!  The plan is apparently a three volume set of symphonic works.

I did not expect any other reaction as the one you wrote. I believe I was the first one that sung her praises on GMG, regarding this release, and still am duly impressed. As to the follow ups, I am always a bit apprehensive in this regard, since CPO to often stopped series that were supposed to go on with several follow ups. But lets be optimistic.

[Franco_Manitobain]

I did not expect any other reaction as the one you wrote. I believe I was the first one that sung her praises on GMG, regarding this release, and still am duly impressed. As to the follow ups, I am always a bit apprehensive in this regard, since CPO to often stopped series that were supposed to go on with several follow ups. But lets be optimistic.

I didn't expect any other reaction either, because anytime I listen to something of hers I haven't before, I come away awestruck.

I do hope CPO does follow up on their intent!  If not, someone else undoubtedly will, as the music is too good to ignore. 

[Franco_Manitobain]

Just finished listening to this marvelous disc of solo piano music, featuring Peter Jablonski.

I really should stop being surprised by how good it is, because I keep waiting to be disappointed by something Bacewicz wrote, but it hasn't happened yet.  In fact, the Concert Krakowiak has become an instant favourite work of hers.

For those who might have a pre-conceived notion (admittedly like myself) that a female composer's music might be more dainty, prettier, lighter hearted, etc......Bacewicz' music will smash that notion.

Bacewicz' music in general, is one I would describe as high octane, energetic, muscular, propulsive.  In the vein of middle period Beethoven muscularity.  It's just fabulous.  She really knew how to write for both the piano and violin.





 

[Spotted Horses]

Just finished listening to this marvelous disc of solo piano music, featuring Peter Jablonski.

I really should stop being surprised by how good it is, because I keep waiting to be disappointed by something Bacewicz wrote, but it hasn't happened yet.  In fact, the Concert Krakowiak has become an instant favourite work of hers.

For those who might have a pre-conceived notion (admittedly like myself) that a female composer's music might be more dainty, prettier, lighter hearted, etc......Bacewicz' music will smash that notion.

Bacewicz' music in general, is one I would describe as high octane, energetic, muscular, propulsive.  In the vein of middle period Beethoven muscularity.  It's just fabulous.  She really knew how to write for both the piano and violin.





 

I've listened to the Kupiec disc of solo piano music and it was superb. I hope to make my way to this disc as well.

[Franco_Manitobain]

I've listened to the Kupiec disc of solo piano music and it was superb. I hope to make my way to this disc as well.

Kupiec is on my wish list. Both for solo piano and the piano/violin music.

[Mapman]

Kupiec is on my wish list. Both for solo piano and the piano/violin music.

The Kupiec piano/violin CD is on sale at JPC: https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Grazyna-Bacewicz-1909-1969-Sonaten-f%C3%BCr-Violine-Klavier-Nr-2-5/hnum/4282189

It will be my introduction to Bacewicz. Hopefully I like her music as much as the rest of you!

[kyjo]

I'm finally getting around to listening to this disc, and it is outstanding!  I'm particularly floored by the 3rd symphony (Dramatic, jaunty, lively, a great mix of heaviness and lightness!).  This is great music, and I cannot wait for Borowicz and CPO to release Symphonies 1 and 2!  The plan is apparently a three volume set of symphonic works.

Couldn't agree more - this disc is an absolute "cracker", as they say in the biz! Two powerful, muscular, and concise symphonies that can easily hold their ground with other great symphonic works written around the same time. Bacewicz certainly deserves the attention that she's been receiving recently from the record companies.

[not edward]

Finally got hold of this recording, and it gets two thumbs up from me. Strong performances of the two-piano concerto and Music for String, Trumpets and Percussion in more modern sound than my reference recordings.

There's an increasing interest in Bacewicz by several record labels lately, and the more, the better, more so if they are first recordings.

[Toni Bernet]

Among the seven violin concertos by the Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz, the last, seventh violin concerto stands out because it testifies to the personal development of an original composer away from a neo-classical style of composition towards her very own new sound possibilities of a violin concerto.
I have created a listening guide for Grażyna Bacewicz Violin Concerto No. 7 (1965/66). Will it be helpful to listen to this concerto more precisely and with more profit?
For more and a special link see:
https://unbekannte-violinkonzerte.jimdofree.com/--4/bacewicz-gra%C5%BCyna/

[Symphonic Addict]

The first recording of her first two symphonies would have been a smarter move. Chandos had little imagination for the program of this disc methinks.