Hidden treasures ~ Zygmunt Noskowski ~ Variations in E minor for Orchestra (before 1883)

≈ History ≈
{adapted from Grove Dictionary &
the Booklet Essay from the 2009 recording}
We've already encountered the 19th century musical landscape of Poland in the figure of Stanisław Moniuszko who was, in fact, one of the teachers of the composer currently in question - Zygmunt Noskowski (1846-1909), nowadays seemingly renowned more for having taught a whole generation of Polish composers {i.e. Szymanowski} than for his personal achievements in the field. Noskowski's story is, indeed, briefly told. Trained at the Warsaw Music Institute (1864-67) and in Berlin (1872-75), he progressively moved through a number of key posts: director of the Bodan Singing Society & Music School (1875-80), director of the Warsaw Music Society (1881-1902), professor of composition at the Music Institute (from 1888 onwards), director and conductor of the Warsaw PO (1905-08) and a musical critic throughout his life. Thus, a man of national importance and great social standing, if not universal renown, is revealed.
.≈ Music ≈
There is a very fine line between what one could consider inspired and simply pleasant music. Where one actually draws it is a matter of experience and preference. I would suggest, with some reservations, that Noskowski's writing chiefly falls into the latter category. We are enchanted in the best cases - certainly the well-wrought Symphony No. 2 in C minor is a finely shaped piece - but rarely amazed. Yet the composer's masterly handling of the material and orchestration is never in question, and the piece in question encapsulates Noskowski's idiom perfectly. The present set of variations would be a perfect encore in a formal concert, as it gives prominence in turn to the strings|winds|brass. The memorable main theme - an original tune in the manner of a polonaise by Noskowski - possesses an attractive naturalness of a proper folk song and serves as a fine foundation for the succeeding movements. The first two variations alternatively present a delicate series of ornamental lines for the wind section with gentle fugal suggestions (0:56, 1:27) and a veritable snow breeze in the lower strings which counterpoints a simplified exchange of the theme's sections between the oboe|flute (1:42). A break from the prevailing languid atmosphere is made in the marital third variation which introduces the brass section in a brief but winning march (2:31) which is followed by a typically sprightly scherzo liberally decorated by trills from the winds (3:07). An animated pastoral andante recalling Dvorak is subsequently established with graceful sustained lines in the violins and light clarinet|flute phrases in the development section (3:45). All this is undoubtedly charming but somewhat familiar from similar pieces by contemporary composers. The welcome novelty is achieved in the finale which effectively works as an extended double variation: the movement opens with a sustained adagio in the lower strings with a piano beat in the drums (4:57) which is then intensified as a brisk crescendo moves us into Sturm und Drang territory, as a veritable storm breaks in the entire orchestra with elaborate descending lines for the strings, while the main theme blazes in the brass (5:30). A similarly conceived fugal coda brings the piece to a brilliant closing.
≈ Score ≈
Sadly, no score of the present piece can be accessed at the moment online.
≈ Recording ≈
The 2009 Sterling recording of selected orchestral works by Noskowski {Volume 2, to be exact} features the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Lukasz Borowicz in an idiomatic rendition of the presented material.
Hope you'll enjoy =).

[@SalvaRC]

Great music!!! Thanks for posting it !

[@Teona1212]

Your music is wonderful, the presentation too, I admire very much your posts.
A Merry Christmas and a new year with lots of joy!

[@leszekgrabowski6501]

Another forgotten, late romantic polisch composer

[@PauloCesarMaiadeAguiar]

Divine composition. Great post. Many thanks for to share this dear Fantastic

[@LindoroRossini]

Простите, а кто его пожирает =В?