Górecki, Mikołaj Henryk (1971- )
Burlesca (12:00) 2017 Publisher: PWM (c2018)
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon and piano
This work is dedicated to Beata Bilińska and the Cracow Woodwind Quintet, commissioned by the Musica Mundana Foundation. The piece was premiered in March, 2018, at the chamber hall of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice.
The work presents mysterious, sorrowful, expressive melodies with minimalistic elements. There can be heard the influence of Górecki’s teachers, especially his father, particularly with the regard to the melodic treatment, strong rhythmic pulse and rich harmony in climatic moments. The most difficult ensemble playing problems are present in the unison melodies played in duets. This is present in the beginning of the piece where the flute and piano are in unison, and through out the composition where different wind instrument pairs play.
Grade: V-VI
Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDMaKaH_qAM (premiere concert video recording)
Sheet music source: pwm.com.pl, sheetmusicplus.com
Mikołaj Henryk Górecki
Born in Katowice on February 1, 1971.
He began his music education on the violin at six years old and later played the piano. While still in high school he won the first prize at the Bielsko-Biała Young Composers Competition for his “Preludes” for piano. He graduated from the Music High School in Katowice in 1990, entered Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice. At the academy he studied composition under the guidance of his father Henryk Mikołaj Górecki.
In 1994 he received a third place at the 2nd Yound Composer’s Forum in Kraków for his “Sonata” for clarinet and piano. In 1995 he graduated with honors and was awarded scholarships to attend the Banff Center for the Arts in Canada. In 2000 he received his doctorate in composition from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Following his graduation he lectured composition at McGill University in Montreal until 2001. His compositions have been performed distinguished ensembles in Poland and beyond.