LET BEAUTY AWAKE / CHAMBER CONCERT

The word immersed in sound, music reinforcing meaning – this is the common denominator of the diverse and remarkably expressive tradition of the European art song… The profound bond between poetry and music is beautifully revealed in the works of Peter Cornelius (1824–1874). From an early age, the German composer distinguished himself through both his musical and literary talent. He successfully brought these two realms together in his vocal-instrumental works, as in Weihnachtslieder, Op. 8, dedicated to his beloved sister – a cycle of six atmospheric songs centered on the theme of Christmas. Among them, Drei Könige has enjoyed particular popularity; in the piano part, following a suggestion by Franz Liszt, Cornelius wove in the melody of the Lutheran hymn Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern.

Later in the concert, the dialogue between voice and piano will portray various shades of love captured in songs by outstanding Italian opera composers – Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835) and the incomparable Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924). The program will also include an English interpretation of the motif of the wanderer, so inspiring to the Romantics and masterfully expressed in songs from Ralph Vaughan Williams’s (1872–1958) cycle Songs of Travel. The composer was not only fascinated by the richness of his native folk tradition, but also made an important contribution to its preservation. The concert program will be complemented by works by leading Polish composers, in whose lives the song genre played important – though very different – roles. In the works of Fryderyk Chopin (1810–1849) and Mieczysław Karłowicz (1876–1909), songs gave expression to deeply concealed, intimate feelings and thoughts, while for Stanisław Moniuszko (1819–1872) they became a universal means of strengthening national community and Polish culture.

Marta Dziewanowska-Pachowska

PROGRAM

Peter Cornelius (1824–1874)
Weihnachtslieder Op. 8

Christbaum
Die Hirten
Drei Könige
Simeon
Christus der Kinderfreund Christkind

Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)
Vaga luna, che inargenti
Vanne, o rosa fortunata
Ma rendi pur contento 
La farfalletta

Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924)
Sole e amore
E l’uccellino. Ninna-nanna
Casa mia, casa mia
Sogno d’or

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)
Songs of Travel
Let Beauty Awake
The Roadside Fire
The Infinite Shining Heavens

Samuel Barber (1910–1981)
The Daisies Op. 2, No. 1
A Green Lowland of Pianos Op. 45, No. 2

Stanisław Moniuszko (1819–1872)
Pieśń wieczorna
Polna różyczka
Znasz-li ten kraj
Dwie zorze
Morel 
Złota rybka  
Niepewność

Mieczysław Karłowicz (1876–1909)
Idzie na pola, Op. 3, No. 3
Najpiękniejsze piosnki Op. 4
Zasmuconej Op. 1 No. 1

Fryderyk Chopin (1810–1849)
Życzenie Op. 74, No. 1
Moja pieszczotka Op. 74, No. 12

Peter Cornelius (1824–1874)
Der beste Liebesbrief Op. 6, No. 2

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht

WYKONAWCY

ANETA ŁUKASZEWICZ MEZZOSOPRANO

WITOLD ŻOŁĄDKIEWICZ BARITONE

DAGMARA DUDZIŃSKA GRAND PIANO

Duration: approx. 1h 15 mins