Szymanowski considered Frédéric Chopin 'the futurist of the romantic era' and aimed to build his own work into the Polish musical tradition established by Chopin.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Szymanowski's creative path reflects a fascination with Frédéric Chopin, initially expressed as imitation, and a creative collation of inspirations from European cultural heritage and Oriental culture.
Recording & Production
Pianist Barbara Karaśkiewicz, who has known Szymanowski's music since age 15, waited 26 years before feeling ready to record this album.
Composition History
Szymanowski's Nine Preludes, Op. 1, written when he was eighteen, were published in 1906 by the Company of Young Polish Composers, which he co-founded.
Compositional Technique
Szymanowski's Masques, Op. 34, use a 'quasi-parodic style' to express the complexity of literary characters, blending expressive sounds with lyrical melodies of oriental or Spanish character.
Composer Biography
Karol Szymanowski, one of the most important Polish composers of the twentieth century, began playing piano at age seven and his first and last compositions were for piano.
Critical Reception
The Third Etude in B flat minor, Op. 4, gained particular acclaim, with critic Alexander Poliński stating it 'could be signed by even Chopin himself,' and Ignacy Paderewski including it in his Chopin recitals.
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