Witold Lutoslawski - Symphonies

Over the past week or so, I’ve been enjoying works by Witold Lutoslawski. Probably Poland’s most famous composer after Chopin, Lutoslawski’s music is definitely 20th century.

About the Composer

Lutoslawski was born in Russia, just before his father and uncle were killed by the Bolshevik government (in 191 because of their political activities in trying to rally Poles to liberate Poland. His mother raised him in Poland, where he was caught by the terrible events of WWII, fleeing the Warsaw ghetto only days before the famous Warsaw Uprising. Lutoslawski’s brother was killed. Then came the Communists. During the 1950s Lutoslawski’s music was condemned as “formalistic” by the Stalinist regime. Not until the late 50s could he again air his exploratory works.

About the Music

Witold Lutoslawski’s four symphonies are very “modern” in the sense of tight, jarring harmonies (or are they disharmonies) and a de-emphasis on melodic progression.

Symphony No. 1 -  LUTOSLAWSKI: Symphony No. 1 / Chantefleurs et Chantefables 

Symphony No. 2 - LUTOSLAWSKI: Symphony No. 2 / Piano Concerto

Symphony No. 3 - LUTOSLAWSKI: Symphony No. 3 / Paganini Variations

Symphony No. 4 - LUTOSLAWSKI: Symphony No. 4 / Violin Partita / Chain II / Funeral Music

Each symphony is charged with emotional energy: minor chords, sudden string screetching, blaring trumpets, startling drums, tense anticipation. This is thrilling music, but not triumphant or jaunty.

Haunting.