Chamber Chopin - Piotr Paleczny and PRIMUZ

Artists:

• Piotr Paleczny – piano
• Łukasz Błaszczyk – conductor
• PRIMUZ String Orchestra

Program:

• Henryk Mikołaj Górecki – Three pieces in Old Style [10']
• Mieczysław Karłowicz – Serenade for Strings [23']
• Frédéric Chopin – Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-minor Op. 11 [40']
  • Allegro maestoso
  • Larghetto
  • Rondo – Vivace

Compere: Alicja Janowska

Both piano concertos of Frédéric Chopin were his first prominent compositions created after his university graduation while he was still in his so-called Warsaw period before his emigration. They are among the most excellent examples of romantic piano concertos and represent the brilliant style that was very fashionable and popular among the contemporary audiences. Chopin performed these pieces both on the big stages such as the National Theatre in Warsaw and in smaller chamber halls, often during private meetings. For those occasions he utilized the chamber versions of the pieces. Unfortunately, none of these arrangements preserved until the present day. The performance of Piotr Paleczny with the PRIMUZ string orchestra will give us an idea about how the chamber versions of Chopin concertos could have sounded. This ensemble, conducted by Łukasz Błaszczyk, is comprised of the most talented students and graduates of the Łódź University of Music. Since its 2012 inception the ensemble has played nearly 200 concerts in Poland and abroad and has recorded numerous albums. The name of Piotr Paleczny has been connected with Chopin since 1970 when he received the third place pize at the VIIIth Chopin Piano Competition. The pianist was also on the jury of last year’s edition of the competition.