WITOLD SZALONEK. LITTLE SYMPHONY B.A.C.H. IN THE CONTEXT OF SYMPHONIC WORKS OF POLISH COMPOSERS OF THE SECOND HALF OF THE XXTH CENTURY

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the memory of Witold Szalonek, a prominent Polish composer and teacher, acclaimed in Poland and several European countries, such as Denmark, Finland, Germany and Slovakia. The composer passed away twenty years ago, in Berlin in October 2001. The aim of the study is to characterize the style of the Little Symphony B.A.C.H. in the context of symphonic works by composers of the second half of the XXth century. Using comparative methods, the author identifies stylistic peculiarities of the work, as well as general stylistic indicators, typical for some trends in the development of the symphonic genre. The author also covers the dramaturgical peculiarities of the work, monogramming and anagramming techniques, sonorous effects based on skillful combination of articulation techniques with principles of timbre coordination of the textural components of the musical piece. The author emphasizes that this combination produces the unique language used to create the symphony's text, capturing in it the "moment of truth" that emerged in the composer's dialogue with the genius of Bach. The article also substantiates the sonorous effects as truly artistic phenomena in Witold Szalonek's music.