Despite their technical challenge and inherent introversion, Szymanowski's piano works have been largely marginalized, perhaps because they do not pander to the listener or resort to external effects.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at St. John's Church in Helsinki on June 5 and 12, 2008, with Enno Mäemets handling recording, editing, and mastering.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Szymanowski's interest in Polish folk music, particularly from the Tatra Mountains, made him a 'public' composer, shifting his style from personal and introverted wartime works.
Composer Biography
Karol Szymanowski, a leading figure in Polish music, was born in Tymoszówka, Ukraine, an area rich in Russian, Jewish, Armenian, Polish, and Tatar cultural influences.
Compositional Technique
Szymanowski composed all his music at the piano and included the instrument in many of his orchestral works, always treating it as an equal partner.
Performer Biography
Anu Vehviläinen, the Helsinki-based pianist on this recording, focused her doctoral studies on Karol Szymanowski's solo piano works.
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