Musicians from the Janusz Prusinowski Kompania (formerly Janusz Prusinowski Trio) follow and continue the traditions of the rural instrumentalists of the past, whilst at the same time exploring their own means of expression. The Kompania members learnt from musicians from central Poland: Jan Lewandowski, Kazimierz Meto, Tadeusz Kubiak, Józef Zaraś, Piotr and Jan Gaca, Tadeusz Jedynak, and others.
Its members draw on the archaic melodies passed on to them by the old masters to create their improvisations. While employing traditional musical expression, they create their own melodies which nevertheless remain hallmarked by their masters. Hence, the band members have emerged as the next generation of folk musicians. They formulate new traditions: music which in turn they will be able to pass on to their continuators in the near future.
Janusz Prusinowski Kompania’s repertoire includes obereks, kujawiaks, polonaises, and chodzonys (‘walked’ dances), but most of all, mazurkas.
The mazurka has been Poland’s signature dance for centuries, functioning in high and popular culture alike. In the 19th century, it was the tango of Europe, as couples could dance it in a close embrace [...] What amazed me and converted me towards the mazurka was the fact that I didn’t have to turn to blues or jazz to be able to express myself freely, as there is also room for improvisation in this Polish melody. Just like jazz, mazurka is a type of music that is created ad hoc – declared Janusz Prusinowski in an interview.
Since 2010, Prusinowski has been the co-organizer of the Wszystkie Mazurki Świata (Mazurkas of the World) Festival, which comprises, apart from dance parties and concerts, workshops and the Instruments’ Fair, showcasing traditional and experimental instruments made by luthiers from all over Poland.
In 2013, the Janusz Prusinowski Kompania spent an entire month touring the United States. Since then, they have traveled to Germany, France, Benelux, Great Britain, and Turkey — to name a few! While in Ann Arbor the group will promote its last album, Knee-deep in Heaven, inspired by years of music exploration through both Polish villages and international travels.
Upcoming Janusz Prusinowski Kompania Events:
Mon 9th Nov, 5:30-7pm
Lecture: Mazurek – Musical Language from Another World, Stern Auditorium, UMMA, 525 S. State St.
Tue 10th Nov, 5-7pm
Workshop: Instrumental and Vocal Workshop, Michigan League Ballroom, 911 N. University
Wed 11th Nov, 7-9pm
Concert: Secret Key to Chopin – Lost and Found, Stern Auditorium, UMMA, 525 S. State St.
Thu 12th Nov, 7-9pm
Concert: Wild Music from the Heart of Poland, Rackham Auditorium, 915 E Washington St.
All events are free and open to the public.