This album is the third CD in a Chandos series dedicated to the music of Polish composer Witold Lutosławski.
Historical Context
Less than three months after the premiere of Lutosławski's Symphonic Variations in 1939, Poland was invaded by Germany, leading to the disappearance of normal musical life.
Composition History
During World War II, Lutosławski made a living playing light music in musical cafés with fellow composer Andrzej Panufnik, whose arrangements were mostly destroyed in the Warsaw uprising.
Composer Biography
Witold Lutosławski, a Polish composer, lived from 1913 to 1994.
Composition History
Lutosławski's Variations on a Theme of Paganini for two pianos was the only piece to survive the destruction of his café repertoire during the 1944 Warsaw uprising.
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 internationally.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lutosławski's Piano Concerto, his last concertante work, emphasizes conversational interplay and cooperation between forces, unlike his earlier Cello Concerto which focused on dramatic conflict.
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