The Fourth Violin Concerto by Grażyna Bacewicz is dedicated to her composition teacher, Kazimierz Sikorski, and her violin teacher, Józef Jarzębski.
Recording & Production
This recording was generously supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the Polska Music grant programme, which promotes Polish classical music.
Historical Context
In 1951, the Polish government's Stalin-inspired doctrine of socialist realism in the arts demanded overt connection to the lives of 'the masses,' often meaning simplified language and folk tunes.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bacewicz's music is characterized by a restless spirit, evolving by instinct, varying earlier material, and taking new directions in an almost improvisatory manner.
Composer Biography
Grażyna Bacewicz, a Polish composer and violinist, wrote seven violin concertos, two cello concertos, one piano concerto, and one viola concerto.
Performer Biography
Joanna Kurkowicz, the violinist on this recording, plays a violin made by Pietro Giovanni Guarneri in 1699.
Interpretation
The performer, Joanna Kurkowicz, notes that Bacewicz's Violin Concerto No. 4, unlike No. 3, shows signs of wanting to escape Polish folk culture, appearing more European or cosmopolitan.
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