Description
This new release from DUX presents world premiere recordings of Jozef Elsner's (1769-1854) Polonaises for four hands. Elsner, although born German, loved Polish music, and his creative output comprises stylized Polish dances.
These compositions were not only for the virtuosos to show off; they were also meant for home music making, in the comfort of one's living room. According to the then prevailing practice, such works for four hands could be performed both on the piano and on the harpsichord (or even on the less popular clavichord). On this album, Magdalena Bak and Jerzy Michal Wardeski perform the Polonaises on the harpsichord.
A unique lineup on the Polish music scene - harpsichord duo - Magdalena Bak and Jerzy Michal Wardeski, play harpsichords and historical and contemporary pianos. As young artists, their aim is to by popularise Polish keyboard music (harpsichord and piano). Polish music is prominently featured in their repertoire - in particular, works of lesser-known and forgotten composers, which the artists restore by searching in the archives and including in their concert repertoire. The duo also performs contemporary music, including works dedicated to them by Polish and foreign composers.