Szymanowski: Stabat Mater & Harnasie (Muzyka Polska, Vol. 7)

Featuring

Edward Gardner
Lucy Crowe
Pamela Helen Stephen
Gábor Bretz
Robert Murray
BBC Symphony Orchestra

BBC Symphony Chorus
Karol Szymanowski

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Historical Context

Poland regained its independence in 1918 after over a century of occupation, leading to a turbulent early period for the nation.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Szymanowski, the composer, began to explore his native Polish heritage more assiduously, holding up Chopin as a model of musical independence.

Composition History

Szymanowski's Stabat Mater, Op. 53, was commissioned in 1925 and developed his vision for a 'Peasant Requiem' by combining folk elements with Renaissance counterpoint.

Compositional Technique

The Stabat Mater's fourth movement is composed for a cappella chorus, joined partway through by female soloists, and features homophonic music with wondrous chord sequences.

Compositional Technique

Harnasie, a ballet-pantomime, has a rawness and energy that goes beyond Szymanowski's other folk-related works, being earthier and more garish than the Stabat Mater.

Composition History

Szymanowski worked on Harnasie, Op. 55, for eight years (1923-31), immersing himself in the life and culture of the Podhale region of the Tatra mountains.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Karol Szymanowski, the composer, aimed to define what Polish music could be after 1918, asserting its independence from Austro-German cultural hegemony.