During World War II, Lutosławski performed his own compositions in cafés with Andrzej Panufnik, a duo partner, to earn a living.
Composition History
After Stalin's death in 1953, new compositional possibilities opened up for Lutosławski, leading him to write mainly for other instrumental settings.
Historical Context
The Twelve Folk Melodies, commissioned in 1945, had political significance as folk music was forbidden in Poland during the war.
Performer Biography
Corinna Simon, the pianist on this recording, has made a name for herself as a 'staunch defender of piano rarities' and has performed globally.
Composer Biography
Witold Lutosławski, one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, studied mathematics before pursuing piano and composition at the Warsaw Conservatory.
Historical Context
Lutosławski had to flee Warsaw in July 1944, just days before the Uprising, and only managed to save a small number of his scores.
Critical Reception
Lutosławski's First Symphony (1947) was condemned as 'formalist' by the Stalinist regime and its performance was forbidden.
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