The composer of four symphonies, seven violin concertos, seven string quartets, five sonatas for violin and piano and many more works, Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) was a major figure in Polish music in the middle of the 20th century. Popular among audiences and musicians alike, her music also plays a historically important role “bridging the gap between the neo-romanticism of Szymanowski and the modernism of Lutosławski” (Judith Rosen, Grażyna Bacewicz: Her Life and Works – PMHS Vol. 2).
While in some parts of the world, her music is performed and respected, in others it is nearly unknown. In the next episode of the “Hidden Gems” series, violinist Itamar Zorman and pianist Liza Stepanova will perform a collection of short works for violin and piano by Bacewicz (including Slavonic Dance, Oberek no. 1, and Melodia), which are full of humor, virtuosity, beautiful melodic writing, and some Polish folk influences. Marek Zebrowski, director of the USC Polish Music Center, will join us to discuss her life, works, other career as a virtuoso concert violinist, the tradition of women composers in Poland, and more.
Streaming live: Sunday, June 28, 2020 | 1:00 pm EST
“Hidden Gems” Episode 3 – Grażyna Bacewicz
Watch here: www.facebook.com/532599950090449/posts/3766842339999511/
[Sources: facebook.com]