Release Date: 29 March 2024
Label: Chopin University Press
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5906874951743
Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental
Description
This album is the first complete phonographic documentation of the preserved piano works of Jan Ekier, whose one hundred and tenth birth anniversary falls in 2023. In this collection of all piano compositions presented on the album, in the subtle interpretation of Agnieszka Przemyk-Bryla, we find simplicity, harmonious sound and originality in the selection of musical language.
Jan Ekier (1913-2014) is an outstanding figure with versatile abilities and interests, enormous artistic achievements and exceptional contributions to Polish art and culture. Ekier became an outstanding concert pianist (winner of the 3rd Chopin Competition in 1937), a music editor (editor-in-chief of the National Edition of the Works of Fryderyk Chopin), an excellent teacher (from 1953 to 2000, a professor at the State Higher School of Music in Warsaw, later the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music), and finally a composer.
Ekier's compositional work mainly dates back to his youth (1933-1951) and is characterized by a romantic-lyrical idiom, which comes from, among others, out of infatuation with the works of Fryderyk Chopin, Karol Szymanowski and folklore.
Ekier's piano work is highly original and has its own expressive musical language. These features allow him to place his music next to the works of artists such as Witold Lutoslawski. The piano compositions of the author of Humoresque and Toccata have their place in the development of Polish musical creativity in the first half of the 20th century and cannot be treated only as a musical curiosity from the rich life of a pianist, teacher and music editor, but as full-fledged works with an individual stylistic character.
Tracklisting
Maria Gabrys-Heyke
Monika Quinn
Martyna Pastuszka (violin), Tomasz Pokrzywinski (cello)
Meccore String Quartet
Bartosz Jakubczak, organ
Elzbieta Karas-Krasztel
Alexandre Tansman String Quartet
Alina Ratkowska, Pawel Gusnar
Nora von Marschall
Lea Suter
Aart Bergwerff
Ran Jia
Johannes Krahl
Elke Volker
Henry Fairs
Pieter van Dijk
