Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)

Started by Maciek, April 18, 2007, 01:13:25 PM

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Brahmsian

#200
Hmmm, upon searching for recordings of Bacewicz Violin Concertos 1-7,Joanna Kurkowicz didn't record the 6th?

Ah, I see now that the 6th was never published.

Brahmsian


Brahmsian

This just arrived on my doorstep, and it is sounding fantastic so far!


Brahmsian

Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 10, 2023, 04:31:58 AMThis just arrived on my doorstep, and it is sounding fantastic so far!



Just finished off the first run through this set, which is highly impressive.  :)

Creative, authentic string quartet writing.  All were enjoyable, with perhaps an "early favourite" being the 3rd quartet.

The final two quartets (6th and 7th) are in the more avant-garde style, yet I would say a less "thorny", more "approachable" brand of avant-garde.  Humourous tinge to them.

Maestro267

Quote from: OrchestralNut on February 20, 2023, 07:41:18 AMHmmm, upon searching for recordings of Bacewicz Violin Concertos 1-7,Joanna Kurkowicz didn't record the 6th?

Ah, I see now that the 6th was never published.

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

Brahmsian

Quote from: Maestro267 on March 10, 2023, 08:10:09 AMThanks for solving this mystery. I wonder if it exists or has been lost.

I wonder also!

Pohjolas Daughter

Pohjolas Daughter

Augustus

Quote from: Maestro267 on March 10, 2023, 08:10:09 AMThanks for solving this mystery. I wonder if it exists or has been lost.

The 6th of Bacewicz's Violin Concertos, written in 1957, was finally premiered in 2019.  The performance is on YouTube, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTJ7rWwPnEY

Symphonic Addict

Thanks for the link. I was wholly unaware of that performance.
Part of the tragedy of the Palestinians is that they have essentially no international support for a good reason: they've no wealth, they've no power, so they've no rights.

Noam Chomsky

Spotted Horses

I can only add that I am delighted to see that a piano concerto by Bacewicz has been recorded, although not thrilled that it is on a full-price, 43 minute CD.
There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind. - Duke Ellington

Brahmsian

#210
Just listened to these works (and performances) for the very first time today, and WOW!  :o

Absolutely amazing music, all of it.

The eight works here includes her 5 sonatas for violin and piano, a Partita for violin and piano, and 2 sonatas for solo violin.

All terrific pieces, but particularly standing out and requiring special mention:

Sonata No. 1 for violin and piano <Sonata da Camera> - Highly ebullient 2nd mvt. Allegro and Gigue Finale.  Just tremendous music!

Sonata for Solo Violin No. 2 - Has an avant-garde feel, but still having a lyrical pulse.  VERY virtuosic final Presto movement.

Sonata for Solo Violin No. 1 - So lyrical a-la-Bach.  No doubt highly influenced, as mentioned in the liner notes.  Just wonderful!

Sonata No. 4 for Violin and Piano - I could put the Finale 4th movement on repeat everytime I play this.

Terrific sounding recording as well on the Muso label.  This gets a full 10/10 from me.  :)  A full recommendation.

The more I listen to Bacewicz, the more impressed I become.  If I was impressed by the string quartets, I am utterly FLOORED by the works for violin and violin/piano.







Brahmsian

Well, here is another winner!  8)

Four outstanding chamber works here.

Piano Quintet No. 1 (1952) - Marvelous composition that includes a poignant slow 3rd movement, and a show stopping finale.  A distinct and original voice.

Piano Quintet No. 2 (1965) - Again, similar to many of her late works, flecks of avant-gardism and increased usage of dissonance, but still lyrical.  VERY different from the first piano quintet.  She definitely has a knack to write outstanding finales, and no different here with the frenetic Allegro Guicoso!

Quartet for 4 violins (1949) - The first movement features a fantastic, piquant folk dance.  A touching central movement that is quite beautiful, followed by a brief, sunny and energetic finale.

Quartet for 4 cellos (1963) - A big contrast to the work for 4 violins.  This contains a darker, gloomier atmosphere.  Again, hints of avant-gardism as a late work.  Some unique, wonderful sonorities are juiced out in this work.  Further evidence of her remarkable ability to write for strings.

Another 10/10 and recommendation.




Brahmsian

Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 13, 2023, 09:51:13 AMI can only add that I am delighted to see that a piano concerto by Bacewicz has been recorded, although not thrilled that it is on a full-price, 43 minute CD.

Would this be it?  Not familiar with the recording or the work itself.


kyjo

Recently listened to the much-anticipated new CPO album of her Symphonies nos. 3 and 4, and it certainly fulfilled my high expectations! Two concise, muscular, invigorating fireballs of symphonic writing, packed with incident and imagination. There's never a single dull moment in either work! Though the language of both symphonies is predominantly serious and slightly astringent, they're never harsh or unpleasant, and possess moments of sensuously beautiful harmony in the slow movements and witty folksiness in the scherzi. Not to mention they're brilliantly and incisively performed by the WDR Sinfonieorchester under that compelling champion of unknown repertoire, Lukasz Borowicz, and wonderfully recorded by CPO. Needless to say, I can't wait for the next volume in the series, presumably containing her first two symphonies!
"Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music" - Sergei Rachmaninoff

Brahmsian

Quote from: kyjo on March 14, 2023, 07:10:12 AMRecently listened to the much-anticipated new CPO album of her Symphonies nos. 3 and 4, and it certainly fulfilled my high expectations! Two concise, muscular, invigorating fireballs of symphonic writing, packed with incident and imagination. There's never a single dull moment in either work! Though the language of both symphonies is predominantly serious and slightly astringent, they're never harsh or unpleasant, and possess moments of sensuously beautiful harmony in the slow movements and witty folksiness in the scherzi. Not to mention they're brilliantly and incisively performed by the WDR Sinfonieorchester under that compelling champion of unknown repertoire, Lukasz Borowicz, and wonderfully recorded by CPO. Needless to say, I can't wait for the next volume in the series, presumably containing her first two symphonies!

Thank you for the review Kyle. 🙂 I am eagerly awaiting my copy, which is on backorder.

Spotted Horses

Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 14, 2023, 06:44:31 AMWould this be it?  Not familiar with the recording or the work itself.



Yes, I found out about it when it was mentioned further up the thread.
There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind. - Duke Ellington

foxandpeng

Quote from: kyjo on March 14, 2023, 07:10:12 AMRecently listened to the much-anticipated new CPO album of her Symphonies nos. 3 and 4, and it certainly fulfilled my high expectations! Two concise, muscular, invigorating fireballs of symphonic writing, packed with incident and imagination. There's never a single dull moment in either work! Though the language of both symphonies is predominantly serious and slightly astringent, they're never harsh or unpleasant, and possess moments of sensuously beautiful harmony in the slow movements and witty folksiness in the scherzi. Not to mention they're brilliantly and incisively performed by the WDR Sinfonieorchester under that compelling champion of unknown repertoire, Lukasz Borowicz, and wonderfully recorded by CPO. Needless to say, I can't wait for the next volume in the series, presumably containing her first two symphonies!

Nice
"A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people ... then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one's neighbour — such is my idea of happiness"

Tolstoy

Brahmsian

First listen to the recording and the works themselves.  Enjoyed these immensely!  :)

Overture (1943) - Very colourful, sunny, energetic piece, short 6 minute thrill!  This would make a fantastic and popular concert opening work.  Ultra late romantic vein.

Violin Concerto No. 1 (1937) - Colourful woodwinds, very lyrical.  An ethereal, reflective Andante central mvt. Effervescent finale with whimsical woodwinds.  Late romantic/neoclassical style.

Violin Concerto No. 3 (1948) - A great leap in the maturity composition when compared to the 1st VC.  A beautiful beginning to the 1st mvt., again with colourful woodwinds, and yet the mvt. progresses in intensity.  Again, I find Bacewicz's voice as a composer to be a unique one.  Listening to this mvt. makes me a believer that this work could and should become a regular concert staple (someday).  A beautiful and lyrical Andante follows.  It is lush and romantic (a la Korngold).  The rousing Vivo finale is filled with verve and includes a brief but wonderful coda.

Violin Concerto No. 7 (1965) - The opening clang clearly signals that this will be a very different work from VC 1 and 3!!  :o The avant-garde vein of this work is most evident and apparent, but this has its lyrical moments and includes very colourful orchestration. If one could say.....a more "approachable" brand of avant-garde when compared to her younger compatriot, Penderecki.  A unique and fun piece with a hint of humour to the ending!



Spotted Horses

Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 15, 2023, 07:13:06 AMFirst listen to the recording and the works themselves.  Enjoyed these immensely!  :)

Overture (1943) - Very colourful, sunny, energetic piece, short 6 minute thrill!  This would make a fantastic and popular concert opening work.  Ultra late romantic vein.

Violin Concerto No. 1 (1937) - Colourful woodwinds, very lyrical.  An ethereal, reflective Andante central mvt. Effervescent finale with whimsical woodwinds.  Late romantic/neoclassical style.

Violin Concerto No. 3 (1948) - A great leap in the maturity composition when compared to the 1st VC.  A beautiful beginning to the 1st mvt., again with colourful woodwinds, and yet the mvt. progresses in intensity.  Again, I find Bacewicz's voice as a composer to be a unique one.  Listening to this mvt. makes me a believer that this work could and should become a regular concert staple (someday).  A beautiful and lyrical Andante follows.  It is lush and romantic (a la Korngold).  The rousing Vivo finale is filled with verve and includes a brief but wonderful coda.

Violin Concerto No. 7 (1965) - The opening clang clearly signals that this will be a very different work from VC 1 and 3!!  :o The avant-garde vein of this work is most evident and apparent, but this has its lyrical moments and includes very colourful orchestration. If one could say.....a more "approachable" brand of avant-garde when compared to her younger compatriot, Penderecki.  A unique and fun piece with a hint of humour to the ending!




I remember not quite resonating with the late concerti on first listen, some years ago. Hopefully I will have a chance to revisit them. I do remember being delighted with the overture.
There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind. - Duke Ellington

vers la flamme

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.