Żuławski, Wawrzyniec Jerzy (1916-1957)
Aria con variazioni (10:13) 1950 Publisher: PWM (c1970)
Tema-Andante tranquillo
Var. I Allegro
Var. II Andante sostenuto
Var. III Allegretto
Var. IV Moderato
Var. V Allegretto con moto
Var. VI Lento
Var. VII Scherzando, vivo
Var. VIII Moderatp, tranquillo
Var. IX Adagio
Var. X Fuga, Allegro molto moderato
Instrumentation: flute, clarinet, bassoon
The work was written in Żuławski’s favorite form of composition, thought by him to be superior to any other form. This is a plainly gorgeous piece of music that should be better known. This work is highly melodious, and combines lovely rhythms, formal clarity and incredible balance between the instruments.
Żuławski’s theme is a beautiful melodious flute solo paired with delicate bassoon accompaniment. That sublime melody is transformed very effectively in all the variations. Especially in the beginning of variation I there is a mood change into fast allegro with accented mordents in the bassoon line. The last variation is a strict fugue with successive statements of the subject in oboe, clarinet and bassoon.
Performance of this piece is challenging because it is tiring. Żuławski wrote mostly for piano, thus performers are confronted with problematic breathing. The bassoon part has the least amount of breathing space, which makes it more challenging than the other two parts. The most difficult place for the bassoon is variation III, where it plays repeated triplet eight-notes none stop with no break for breathing. It is advised to play this movement with circular breathing or make adjustments to allow for quick breaths. Variation IV and VIII pose breathing problems for all three instruments and it is best to use staggered breaths.
It is important to mention that the work can be performed also as a trio for 2 clarinets and bassoon. There is a separate part provided for the second clarinet. The flute part is only published as a part of the score (many pieces have been published this way by PWM); thus, the flutist must play from the score, which works out fine with the page turns.
Grade: IV
Recordings: From Shadow to Light, Sonora Winds Label: MSR Classics
Sheet music source: pwm.com.pl, trevcomusic.com