Witold Lutosławski
1913 - 1994
Polish
Summary
Critical Acclaim
Lutosławski has long been acknowledged as one of the most significant composers of the 20th century. His works have earned a place in the orchestral repertory unequalled by those of any other contemporary composer, and for the last 30 years he has been much in demand as conductor of his own work with all the leading orchestras in Europe, North America and the Far East. Although he is often described as 'a Polish composer', a narrowly nationalistic label is inappropriate for a creative artist whose musical roots are more cosmopolitan and more widely European. - Charles Bodman Rae, The Independent
(Symphony No 3) ...so dazzling in its originality, so powerful in its use of the orchestra’s resources and so remarkable in its ability to communicate. ... a challenging, completely intensive journey in sound which consistently surprises us and grabs us up in its visceral sweep. - Joe Cunniff, The Chicago Leader
Biography
© Chester Music
Lutosławski 100
Below are a series of videos taken from the Philharmonia Orchestra website celebrating the Lutosławski Centenary Woven Words
Early Life
This film focuses on the composer's early life and beginnings in music. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen travelled to Poland to discover how tragic and traumatic events in Lutosławski's early life shaped his compositions and personality.
World War II
This film focuses on the composer's struggle for survival in Warsaw during World War II. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen traveled to Poland to find out more. Lutosławski expert Charles Bodman Rae also helps bring this terrifying moment in history to life.
Stalinist Years
Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen visited Polska Radio in Warsaw to talk about Lutosławski's work during Soviet rule. They view manuscripts of his compositions for radio and also pop music, which he composed under the pseudonym, Derwid.
Maturity
Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen visit the Filharmonia Narodowa (National Concert Hall) in Warsaw and talk about the composer's later life. In his later years, Lutosławski flourished and finally found his distinctive musical voice.
News
Performances
17th June 2023
- PERFORMERS
- Archi di Colonia
- CONDUCTOR
- Reinmar Neuner
- LOCATION
- Clarenbach Kirche, Cologne, Germany
17th June 2023
- SOLOISTS
- Miquel Garcia Ramon, cello
- PERFORMERS
- Sinfonieorchester Basel
- CONDUCTOR
- Sora Elisabeth Lee
- LOCATION
- Stadtcasino, Basel, Switzerland
18th June 2023
- PERFORMERS
- Archi di Colonia
- CONDUCTOR
- Reinmar Neuner
- LOCATION
- Kirche Köln Riehl, Cologne, Germany
21st June 2023
- PERFORMERS
- Orchester im Treppenhaus
- CONDUCTOR
- Thomas Posth
- LOCATION
- Residenz, Würzburg, Germany
29th June 2023
- PERFORMERS
- Bruckner Orchester Linz
- CONDUCTOR
- Markus Poschner
- LOCATION
- Brucknerhaus, Linz, Austria
Features
- The Best Recordings of 2022 from Wise Music Classical
- Wise Music Classical invites you to enjoy a selection of the best recordings of 2022, featuring composers from across our international family of publishing houses.
- Salonen Selects Lutosławski
- Esa Pekka Salonen recollects: "Witold was somehow surprised when I announced that I wanted to conduct the Second Symphony. He asked if I really liked it. .... "