K. Szymanowski, Violin Concerto No 1

Karol Szymanowski was born in 1882 in Tymoszówka, then under the tutelage of the Russian Empire, but before that, part of the former kingdom of Poland. Throughout his life, the author strongly supported Polish music, and as a just recognition in 1926, he acceded to the post of director of the Warsaw Conservatory. However, in his last days, he complained bitterly about the neglect and isolation in which Polish cultural circles had kept him, most likely because of his sexual orientation. But, at the same time, he dared to predict that despite all this, his funeral should be magnificent.

The composer died of tuberculosis in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1937 and agreed to not one but two funerals. One in Warsaw, of a "republican" character, and the other in Krakow, where he was buried in a church in the sector destined for distinguished Poles.

Szymanowski was born into a golden cradle. His parents, wealthy landowners, maintained a family environment open to the artistic world. He received his first piano lessons from his father at the age of seven, while his brothers dabbled in painting and poetry. In 1901 he entered the Warsaw Conservatory to study composition. After publishing his first works, he traveled extensively in Europe and beyond, going as far as North Africa, gaining rich life and musical experiences. A brief stay in Paris helped to cement his admiration for Debussy and the French impressionist school. His name was becoming known. Everything was going wonderfully. Until the war came.

Karol Szymanowski
(1882 - 1937)

Working in bad times
The family – the composer included – was forced to remain isolated in their Tymoszówka estate during all those years. The war ended, but there was no respite because then the Bolshevik revolution broke out. The family had to sell their property under disadvantageous conditions, and resettle elsewhere, in a nearby town, which soon fell under Austrian occupation.

Against all odds, in addition to an enormous flow of short pieces, between 1914 and 1918 the composer produced his most important masterpieces, including his Third Symphony, several string quartets, and by the way, the First Violin Concerto.

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No 1, Opus 35
Dated 1916 but not premiered until 1922, the work lasts approximately 25 minutes, delivered in one unbroken breath. It is not a traditional work, certainly, and its single movement signals as much: a canvas of interwoven themes, perhaps in a new but equally fascinating way. It is commendable, indeed, that the author has been able to create such enchantment in dark and highly complex moments.

The performance is by the Scottish violinist Michael Foyle accompanied by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of the Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare, on the occasion of a violin competition in Holland, where the performer was awarded the First Prize (the video includes the award ceremony).