Janusz Wawrowski, acclaimed Polish violinist and professor at the Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, is using an extraordinary instrument — the Stradivarius Polonia — to record violin works by Polish composer Grażyna Bacewicz. In his latest project, Wawrowski explores Bacewicz’s dynamic violin works, bringing attention to one of Poland’s most important composers of the 20th century who was also an excellent pianist and violinist. The first volume of this long-term project was recorded with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (as a nod to Bacewicz’s Polish-Lithuanian heritage), directed by Modestas Pitrėnas with pianist Tymoteusz Bies. Co-financed by the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage, the album is now available: Bacewicz: Violin Odyssey, Vol. 1 (Warner Classics).
Stradivari’s violins not only represent incredible craftsmanship, but also an unmatched sound — shaped by unique varnishes, hand-selected woods, and perhaps even the alchemy that the master luthier is rumored to have practiced behind closed doors. Only around 1,000 Stradivarius instruments remain in the world today, and in Poland there is only one. Before WWII, several Stradivari were in Polish hands, but most were looted or lost during the war.
Today, through Wawrowski’s artistry, this rare violin once again echoes with the music of Polish heritage — in particular, that of Grażyna Bacewicz. At the Polish Music Center, we are proud to preserve a deep connection to Bacewicz’s legacy. The PMC’s Manuscript Collection is home to many of her original manuscripts and sketches, including the Concerto per 2 pianoforte e orchestra (1966), Contradizione for orchestra (1966), and two String Quartets. Generously donated by the composer’s family, these offer a unique window into the compositional process and prolific output of this 20th century polymath.
To view Bacewicz’s manuscripts held at the PMC, visit the Dianne and Tad Taube Polish Music Center Digital Archives.
Watch the video below to see Wawrowski perform and reflect on the magic of the Stradivarius Polonia and the genius of Grażyna Bacewicz. For the full, informative article, go to euronews.com.
[Sources: euronews.com, iam.pl]