Krzysztof Penderecki occupies an important position in the music of his native Poland and has also established an international reputation. He was born in Dębica on 23 November 1933, studying at the Academy of Music in Krakow then at the Jagiellonian University, before he established himself at the Warsaw Autumn Festivals of 1959 and 1960. He quickly became part of the European avant-garde. His earlier, more experimental, musical language was later subtly modified by his return to earlier traditions as a source of inspiration. This evolutionary process continued by various degrees through to the composer’s death in Krakow on 29 March 2020.

Orchestral Music

Penderecki’s orchestral compositions include two concertos for violin, a Viola Concerto, two concertos for cello, eight symphonies, sinfoniettas and his Threnody on the Victims of Hiroshima for 52 strings. His Flute Concerto makes characteristic use of the solo instrument in textures of great clarity.

Vocal and Choral Music

The best-known composition by Penderecki is his Passio et mors domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam (‘St Luke Passion’), completed in 1965. This was followed in 1971 by Utrenia, a choral work that deals with the events following the Crucifixion, drawing inspiration from the Orthodox liturgy. The sufferings of Poland are reflected in A Polish Requiem, and his Symphony No. 7 ‘Seven Gates of Jerusalem’ was written in response to a commission to mark the third millennium celebration of the foundation of the city of David.

Chamber Music

Penderecki wrote relatively little chamber music. However, compositions for smaller ensembles range in date from the start of his career until his death, reflecting the changes his style of writing had undergone.