Szałowski, Antoni (1907-1973)
Trio (9:08) 1936 Publisher: Solo Agents and Chester Music (c1943)
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Gavotte
IV. Allegro
Instrumentation: oboe, clarinet, bassoon
After completing his studies with Nadia Boulanger, Szałowski concentrated on composing chamber works. During the years 1936-1937 he wrote the Trio for oboe, clarinet and bassoon, and three other chamber pieces. These works confirmed the stylistic interpretation of the Boulanger school adopted by the composer, which manifested itself in rhythmic movement, simplification of melody and harmony, textual transparency, glittering instrumentation, and structural clarity. This composition can be described as having perfect texture, bright and transparent in every detail in the faster movements and simple and clear in the slow movement. Szalowski’s scale systems are presented in small segments, which are contrasted with the melodic segments. This kind of musical treatment is very successful and brilliant sounding. The way the third movement is organized with a tonal melody from the past and atonal harmonic plan shows influences of Stravisnky, which are rare in the music of Szalowski.
This is a very enjoyable piece for the performer and the listener. The ensemble will find technical challenges in movement I and IV. Here the rhythmical precision is the key to a successful performance.
Grade: V
Recordings: From Shadow to Light, Sonora Winds Label: MSR; Szalowski, Spisak, Palester, Lutosławski, Tansman, Krauze, Krakowskie Trio Stroikowe (Crocow Reed Trio), Lebel: DUX 0493, 2005
Sheet music source: halleonard.com, trevcomusic.com, sheetmusicplus.com
Antoni Szałowski
Born in Warsaw on April 21, 1907 and died in Paris on March 21, 1973.
He was a composer. Szałowski was born into a family of musical traditions. His family was connected to the Warsaw Conservatory of Music, which he entered at the age of 12 to study piano, graduating in 1930 with a degree in composition. His composition teacher was Kazimierz Sikorski. In 1929 his first symphonic work, “Symphonic Variations” was publicly performed by Warsaw Philharmonic. Upon completion of his studies at the Conservatory, Szałowski received a National Culture Grant, which enabled him to study in Paris. He left for France in 1931 to improve his compositional craft under the guidance of Nadia Boulanger, with whom he continued his studies for the next five years. Szałowski knew that success in Paris was a measure of success around the world, and under Nadia Boulanger’s guidance he was well received by musical centers around the world, including those in the United States.
From 1936-48 he was the chairman of the Association of the Young Polish Composers in Paris. In 1937 he was awarded the gold medal at the International Exhibition in Paris and in 1960 he received the 1st prize at the Radioiffusion-Television Francaise also in Paris. Szaowski’s compositional output is throughout neo classical. The composer tried to turn to dodecaphony but decided that neo classisim is the best form of his compositional expression.