Despite Lutosławski's insistence on a purely musical drama, the dedicatee of the Cello Concerto, Mstislav Rostropovich, interpreted the work as mirroring his own struggles with Soviet authorities.
Composition History
Lutosławski composed Grave (1982) in memory of his friend, Polish musicologist Stefan Jarociński, basing it on the opening four notes of Debussy's opera Pelléas et Mélisande.
Composition History
Lutosławski's Cello Concerto (1969-70) was dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich, who premiered the work in London in October 1970.
Historical Context
Witold Lutosławski's Little Suite, based on Polish folk melodies, was created in 1950 to align with the communist government's recommendation for 'people's music'.
Performer Biography
Paul Watkins, the cellist on this recording, plays a cello made around 1730 by Domenico Montagnana and Matteo Goffriller in Venice.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lutosławski aimed to create an atmosphere of anticipation or unfulfillment in the opening stages of his large-scale works, drawing the listener towards a climactic resolution.
Recording & Production
This recording was supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the Polska Music grant programme, which promotes Polish classical music internationally.
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