7July 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Wisłocki, whose compositional work, dominated by conducting activity, is being rediscovered by musicians and musicologists. On 3 July at 6 p.m. the Krakow Philharmonic will present Wisłocki's symphonic works. The programme of the concert, which will inaugurate the Polish Music OdNova festival, will include the premiere of Polish Rhapsody – Piano Concerto, Op. 14.
Conductor, composer, pianist, teacher, organiser of musical life associated with Poland and Romania – Stanisław Wisłocki was a colourful figure of the artistic community in post-war Poland. On 3 July, a few days before the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth, his symphonic works will be performed at the Krakow Philharmonic. The concert will inaugurate the Philharmonic's new venture – the Polish Music OdNova festival. The first part of the evening will feature Polish Suite for symphony orchestra (1945) and Piano Concerto (1948). The Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Sebastian Perłowski, and Piotr Sałajczyk will perform as a soloist.
The second part of the concert will include Symphonic Ballade (1952) and the premiere of Polish Rhapsody – Piano Concerto, Op. 14 (1945). The pieces will be conducted by Przemysław Zych, who found the manuscript of Rhapsody in the composer's home archive and revised it. The piano part will be performed by Michał Drewnowski. Polish Rhapsody is the last piece by Wisłocki that was completed before his return to Poland. It is also his latest composition included in the catalog of PWM Edition.
"Polish Rhapsody – Piano Concerto, Op. 14 is the first of two works by Wisłocki for piano and orchestra, requiring an enlarged ensemble, including a saxophone quartet," comments Przemysław Zych. "Although the title indicates a certain formal freedom, it also directly defines the relationship between the soloist and the ensemble. In the score, we find references to folk patterns, a neoclassical language, and – in lyrical episodes – a nostalgic, not fully defined atmosphere of «Polishness»".
Concert under the patronage of PWM Edition as part of the TUTTI.pl project promoting the performance of Polish music.
Information about tickets: https://www.filharmonia.krakow.pl/