Kilar, Wojciech (1932-2013)
Quintet (15:00) 1952 Publisher: PWM (c1997)
Sinfonia
Scherzo
Choral variè
Rondo-Finale
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon
Written in 1952 this quintet is the work of a student, not yet a recognized composer. However, it is a great piece of chamber music and worth playing often.
This highly energetic neoclassical work combines lively rhythms, balance among the voices, and formal clarity. The first movement is characterized by abrupt changes from fast to slow. It opens with a motoric melody that transition to a slower part with a beautiful oboe solo, which sounds like it was influenced by music of Shostakovich. That calm part is interrupted by the recap of the rhythmic drive. The second movement also displays influences of Shostakovich. The short scherzo is followed by a folk-like Musette. Choral varié, starts with a bassoon solo that slowly propels the movement forward. The Rondo reminds us that this piece is all about the rhythm and drive. Here, we can hear the influence of Stravinsky. The piece ends very abruptly and will leave every audience member smiling.
Grade: IV-V
Recordings: Bacewicz-Kilar-Szeligowski Wind Quintets, Cracow Philharmonic Wind Quintet, Label: Acte Prealable; Polish Music for Winds and Piano, Gruppo di Tempera (iTunes)
Sheet music source: pwm.com.pl, trevcomusic.com
Wojciech Kilar
Born in Lvov on July 17, 1932 and died in Katowice on December 29, 2013.
He studied composition and piano with Bolesław Woytowicz at the PWSM in Katowice, and graduated from that institution in 1955. That year he received a 2nd prize at Competition for Symphonic Works with his composition “Little Overture”. From 1955-58 he was Woytowicz’s assistant at the PWSM in Kraków. Between 1959-1960 he was enabled to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris through the French government stipend. During that time he was awarded Lili Boulanger Composition Award.
Upon his return to Poland he concentrated on independent activity as a composer and performer, concentrating on composing music for film. In 1964 he become a Chair of the ZKP Katowice Branch, and held this function until 1969. In 1970 he received a prize for his music to the film “Red and Gold”, and in 1971 for the music to “The Romantics”. In 1971 he became a Vice Chairman of ZKP’s Board and held that position until 1971. From 1975 he won a prize for his music to several films: “The Promised Land”, The Quarterly Balance”, “The Line”, “From Nowhere to Nowhere”, The Spiral.” International awards for his film music include: International Film Festival in Cork (1973), International Fesitval in Catana (1981), Prix Louis Delluc (1980), ASCAP Award in Los Angeles (1992), the Best Horror Film Score Composer in San Francisco (1992), Cesar Award of the French Film Academy (2002). In 1999 he was was awarded an honorary doctorate from Opole University. In 2000 he won a Golden Duck award for the music to Andrzej Wajda movie “Mr. Tadeusz.”
In the early years Kilar’s music was influence by Szymanowski and Debussy. As his study progressed his writing was influenced by neoclassicism and folk influences. The “Wind Quintet” is one of the examples of this influence. Progressing forward Kilar was very interested in rhythm and at the same time influenced by Bartok and Stravinsky. In the early 1960s Kilar explored avant-garde compositional technique- sonorism and eventually becoming a minimalist who believed in overriding the idea of compositional style and compositing music that is appealing to any listener.