Season finale | Karłowicz | Grieg

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Symphony in E minor 'Rebirth’, Op. 7 is one of the first orchestral works and at the same time the only symphony of Mieczysław Karłowicz (1876-1909), written as the culmination of Berlin's composition studies with Heinrich Urban. Karłowicz probably started working on it in 1900, and it was first performed in Berlin on March 21, 1903, and conducted by the composer himself. In the unusual performance by our orchestra as far as a concert crowning the end of a season is concerned, we will hear its fourth part.

Our concertmasters – Paweł Maślanka and Karolina Hyla-Wybraniec – will lead the orchestra in two more compositions, thanks to which, owing to the compositions of Edvard Grieg and Mieczysław Karłowicz, Poland and Norway will symbolically reunite.

Serenade Op. 2., which enjoys great popularity among string orchestras, had its world premiere on April 15, 1897, in Berlin. It was then performed by the Berliner Philharmonisches Orchester under the direction of H. Urban. The piece consists of four parts, whose number and titles (March, Romance, Waltz, Finale) bring to mind the then-popular works of Mozart, Volkmann, Tchaikovsky and Dvorák. Serenade's music is, however, an utterly original creation, and in many of its parts, you can clearly hear the characteristic lyricisms of Karłowicz's works.

The Last Spring by Edward Grieg is a sad composition, yet not as saddening as the dark style of Mahler, but rather as the style of Tchaikovsky. The lyrics of the piece arranged by Grieg speak of a dying man who is aware of his last spring. Yet, at the same time, he is grateful for his life and for the last chance to admire the beautiful Norwegian spring. The main theme in instrumental versions is nostalgic and has an expressive depth, especially taking into consideration the composer's tendency to the lightness of the mood even in melancholic pieces.

This concert will symbolically end the ongoing artistic season, inviting you to the next Sunday online concerts, which will take place regularly every Sunday, also during the holiday season.

After the concert, at 21:30, the Philharmonic building will also be beautifully lit.