Violin pieces are an essential element of the musical output of Grażyna Bacewicz. In the works written for this instrument the composer - being a very good violin player herself - uses her profound knowledge of the violin techniques and takes advantage of her performing experience.
The music featured on this record was written during the period from 1945 to 1955 and considering the applied technical solutions it is close to the neoclassical aesthetics. It begins with a composition considered to be the most mature piece written by Bacewicz in this genre - the IV SONATA (1949), dedicated to the composer's brother Kiejstut. The following pieces include Sonata da camera (1945) also known as I SONATA and PARTITA (1955) and the three-part Concertino (1945). The miniatures play an important role in Bacewicz early compositions for violin and piano. Among them are the featured Kaprys / CAPRICCIO (1946) dedicated to Irena Dubiska and Melodia / MELODY (1949) with characteristic modal fragments. Kołysanka / LULLABY (1952) dedicated to Tadeusz Ochlewski, maintained in a "swinging" 6/8 mertum, which refers to the musical style of impressionists. The record also contains two stylized dances that are close to the traditional folk dance melodies - the Taniec mazowiecki / MAZOVIAN DANCE and the lively Oberek, both written in 1951. The disc misses, probably due to "technical reasons" the Humoreska / HUMORESQUE, which is mentioned and described in the accompanying booklet.
Grażyna Bacewicz pieces were masterfully performed by the violin player Bartłomiej Nizioł and the gifted pianist Paweł Mazurkiewicz and recorded by the DUX Company.
Grażyna Bacewicz, Violin & Piano Works. Grażyna Bacewicz: "IV Sonata", "Lullaby", "Melody", "Partita", "Concertino", "Capriccio", "Oberek", "Sonata da camera", "Mazovian dance". Bartłomiej Nizioł - violin, Paweł Mazurkiewicz - piano. DUX, PWM 2004 - DUX 0486, DDD 61'27".
Polish Music Information Center
Polish Composers' Union
January 2005