Personalities | Krzysztof Penderecki | Contemporary | Classical

(K’zhesh’-tôf Pen-de-ret’-ske) b. 1933
Polish composer

Following the early influence of Stravinsky and Webern, Penderecki joined the forefront of the avant-garde with Tern ofiarom Hiroszimy (‘Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima’, 1960), which uses tone-clusters, quarter-tones and graphic notation. His music of this time is searingly intense and passionate. His music softened during the late 1970s, becoming more overtly tonal and Romantic (Violin Concerto No. 1). Penderecki has also made a significant contribution to opera with four works, including Die schwarze Maske (‘The Black Mask’, 1984–86). Since 1988 he has produced a number of symphonies and concertos, including the Violin Concerto No. 2 (1992–95).

Recommended Recording:
Viola Concerto, Kim Kashkashian, Stuttgart CO (cond) Dennis Russell Davies (ECM)

Introduction | Contemporary | Classical
Personalities | Henri Pousseur | Contemporary | Classical

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