Duranowski & Kaczkowski: First Polish Caprices For Violin

Featuring

Marek Polański
August Fryderyk Duranowski
Joachim Kaczkowski

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Composer's Artistic Vision

The compositional legacy of Duranowski and Kaczkowski has been almost totally forgotten, despite their works being comparable to those by Paganini, Ernst, Wieniawski, or Lipiński.

Instruments

Marek Polański, the violinist on this recording, plays a copy of the Antonio Stradivari 'Cremonese' instrument, made by Polish luthier Stanisław Król in Kraków in 2012.

Composition History

Until now, Karol Lipiński's Two Capriccios, Op. 3, published in 1817, were considered the earliest Polish violin caprices, but newly accessible sources show Duranowski's and Kaczkowski's were published earlier.

Recording & Production

The recording was made possible by a scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, awarded to Marek Polański in the 15th edition of the 'Młoda Polska' (Young Poland) Programme.

Historical Context

The launch of this album in 2020 coincides with the 250th anniversary of August Fryderyk Duranowski's birth.

Album & Artwork

This album is a world premiere recording of the first Polish violin caprices by August Fryderyk Duranowski and Joachim Kaczkowski.

Composer Biography

August Fryderyk Duranowski, a Polish violinist and composer, was praised by Paganini, who claimed Duranowski's playing influenced his own talent and helped him discover new effects.