SZYMANOWSKI • PIANO MUSIC • SZLEZER

DUX 1367
• 9 Preludes, Op. 1 (1899–1900) • Prelude in C sharp minor (1899–1900) • 4 Etudes, Op. 4 (1900–1902) • Prelude and Fugue in C sharp minor • Variations on a Polish Folk Theme in B minor, Op. 10

Marek Szlezer is an artist valued both in Poland and abroad, awarded many times at renowned international and national competitions, performing in many prestigious concert halls around the world. Recording early pieces by Karol Szymanowski, presented on the album, has been his dream for many years. He saw in these works more than just the “youthful style” of the composer, belittled by many. Each of these pieces is a finite work for the pianist, the fulfillment of a certain idea, an emanation of an unusual personality and sensitivity of their creator. The unique beauty of this music is amazing, the power of youthful expression, sophistication of the means, the ability to diversify tension and create a thrilling expressive climate knock one down

CD DUX 1367Total time: [67:02]

Karol Szymanowski

9 Preludes, Op. 1 (1899–1900)

1. Prelude No. 1 in B minor: Andante ma non troppo

[2:22]

2. Prelude No. 2 in D minor: Andante con moto

[02:36]

3. Prelude No. 3 in D flat major: Andantino

[01:22]

4. Prelude No. 4 in B flat minor: Andantino con moto

[01:46]

5. Prelude No. 5 in D minor: Allegro molto - Impetuoso

[01:10]

6. Prelude No. 6 in A minor: Lento - Mesto

[02:30]

7. Prelude No. 7 in C minor: Moderato

[03:02]

8. Prelude No. 8 in E flat minor: Andante ma non troppo

[02:27]

9. Prelude No. 9 in B flat minor: Lento - Mesto

[02:37]

Karol Szymanowski

Prelude in C sharp minor (1899–1900)

10. Prelude in C sharp minor

[03:13]

Karol Szymanowski

4 Etudes, Op. 4 (1900–1902)

11. Allegro moderato

[04:07]

12. Allegro molto

[01:50]

13. Andante

[05:05]

14. Allegro

[03:46]

Karol Szymanowski

Prelude and Fugue in C sharp minor

15. Prelude

[03:22]

16. Fugue

[04:04]

Karol Szymanowski

Variations on a Polish Folk Theme in B minor, Op. 10

17. Andante doloroso rubato

[00:46]

18. Tema. Andantino semplice

[01:15]

19. Var. I: Meno mosso

[01:23]

20. Var. II: Agitato

[00:38]

21. Var. III: Lento. Mesto ma poco agitato

[01:23]

22. Var. IV: Allegro molto agitato

[00:52]

23. Var. V: Andantino

[01:29]

24. Var. VI: Andante dolcissimo

[02:07]

25. Var. VII: Piu mosso

[01:05]

26. Var. VIII: Marcia funebre

[02:38]

27. Var. IX: Piu mosso (Allegro)

[01:03]

28. Var. X: Finale. Allegro vivo

[06:50]

Performers:
Marek Szlezer /piano/

Recommendations

Szabelski, Górecki, Knapik

DUX 0732
• Toccata from the Suite for Orchestra Op.10 (1936) • Concerto grosso (1954) • Three Dances Op.34 (1973) • La flute de jade for Soprano solo & Orchestra (1973)

Szymanowski Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

DUX 0575
• Violin Concerto No. 1 Op. 35 • Violin Concerto No. 2 Op. 61

Szymanowski, Wagner: Songs

DUX 0573
• Święty Boże op. 5 nr 1 • Jestem i płaczę op. 5 nr 2 • Daleko został cały świat op. 2 nr 1 • The Swan Op. 7 (to words by Wacław Berent) • Samotny księżyc op. 31 nr 1a • Sleep now op. 54 nr 2 • Rain has fallen op. 54 nr 6 • Winds of May op. 54 nr 7 • Mein Herz op. 41 nr 1 • Der junge Prinz (1) op. 41 nr 2 • Der junge Prinz (2) op. 41 nr 3 • Das letzte Lied op. 41 nr 4 • Der Engel • Stehe still! • Im Treibhaus • Schmerzen • Träume

Szabelski Górecki Knapik Works For Orchestra

DUX 0865
• Concertino (1955) • Refrain for orchestra (1965) • Islands (1983)

composers	Szymanowski, Karol ∎
performers	Szlezer, Marek ∎
Releases Year	2017