The album “Witold Friemann: Songs for Soprano, Viola, and Piano” (OC241201), released by Orphée Classics on December 29, 2024, was initiated by violist Aleksandra Demowska-Madejska and includes the world premiere recordings of five previously unpublished works by Witold Friemann. These pieces are performed by Joanna Freszel (soprano), Anna Zawisza (soprano), Wojciech Pyrc (piano), and the viola player herself.
The project creator discovered these five songs by Witold Friemann for one or two sopranos, viola, and piano in the collections of the National Library. Additionally, the project features a unique cycle of instrumental songs, Knightly Songs for viola and piano.
These works, enriching the viola repertoire, demonstrate that the composer did not succumb to avant-garde trends. He developed his own unique musical language, close to the neoromantic style, rich in texture and color, appealing to a wide audience, including those of the 21st century. It is also worth recalling that the compositions of this well-educated and versatile artist were featured in the repertoires of Ada Sari and Lucyna Szczepańska.
The project has been co-funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund as part of the "Musical Trace" program, carried out by the National Institute of Music and Dance. It was co-financed with funds from ZAW STOART.
Media patronage: Polish Music Information Centre POLMIC
Information at the publisher's website: https://orpheeclassics.com/2024/12/29/witold-friemann-songs/
