Sewen, Marek (1930- )
Inflorescences op.24 (18:00) Publisher: Warsaw Music Edition
I. Molto moderato e espressivo
II. Andante amoroso
III. Andantino leggiero
IV. Allegro risoluto
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, bassoon, harpsichord
The work has been written for and dedicated to Polish Chamber Players “Pro Musica Antiqua.” This neo-Baroque composition is traditional in its formal structure and is written in the style of sonata a quarto. The first movement is melodically lead by the flute, and accompanied by the continuo part in all other voices. It is highly dissonant with the bassoon accompaniment being in seconds with the flute part. The second movement, written in Andante amoroso, is characterized by motoric triplet rhythm, which is in part an accompaniment to a very pretty, simple melody in unison between flute and bassoon. The third movement is lively, light and gentle, and is based on a very simple graceful motive introduced by the bassoon. The last movement gives the composition a joyful closing with a fanfare motive that resembles style of a Handelian fanfare. Throughout the composition there is much dissonance, but there is a tonal center. The movement titles are more of an expression and character guide than a tempo marking.
Except for repeated fast sixteenth-note lines in the fourth movement, where there might be a need for double tonguing, there is minimal technical challenge in this composition.
Grade: IV
Recordings: European Music in Historical Sites in Warmia and Mazury, Pro Musica Antiqua, DUX 0495
Sheet music source: gift from Prof. Leszek Szarzynski the flutist of Pro Musica Antiqua and professor at the Uniwersytet Warminsko-Mazurski.
Marek Sewen (birth name: Marek Sewen-Łagoda)
Born in Poznań on September 4, 1930.
He is a conductor, composer, violist and arranger. From 1952-56 he studied at PWSM in Poznań. He majored in viola, composition and conducting. He was still a student at PWSM when he joined Poznań Philharmonic and then National Philharmonic Orchestra with which he played for 10 years as a violist. From 1965-66 he worked sor the metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Hollywood, USA. From 1967 he worked as an arranger and a composer for radio orchestras conducted by S. Rachon and H. Debich. In 1968 he created Chamber Orchestra – Warsaw Strings and in 1975 he founded Capella Arcis Varsovienis, which has been performing early music of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. In 1985 this orchestra has been renamed to Warsaw Chamber Orchestra. Sewen has also worked as a guest conductor with numerous orchestras outside of Poland, mainly in Greece, Venezuela, Russia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, and Japan. He has work witt orchestras in Poland as a visiting conductor.
When it comes to his compositional achievements he has written solo, chamber, sacred pieces, instrumental symphonic music, lieder, popular songs, film music and incidental music for theater and TV. His compositions have been performed on new music festivals around the world. His compositional output can be defined as neoclassical with Romantic influences. He sometimes applies more modern techniques of composition to his works although prefers traditional means.