Today He Would Have Been 100

I just started working on my first piece of music written by the Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski.  He was a leading 20th Century composer and one of Poland’s most outstanding artists.  While I was looking for information about Lutoslawski, I discovered that he was born in Warsaw, Poland on this day, January 25^th, 100 years ago.  He died in 1994 at the age of 81.

I am working on an etude – the second of two that he wrote for piano.  It was written between 1940 and 1941, and was influenced by Polish folk music.  I was not very familiar with his music, but I have discovered an interest in it.  For this, I can thank my teacher, Anna Kijanowska (and my new music history book that she recommended I start reading – all 1212 pages!)

When I finish learning the etude, I might post it.  If you would like to hear a sample of Lutoslawski’s music now, go to this link.  It is an excerpt of one of his concertos, featuring my teacher as piano soloist.