Description

Karol Szymanowski (1882-1932) is considered one of the foremost Polish composers following Chopin. He received his early musical education in Warsaw, where he spent a significant portion of his life and served as the director of the Conservatoire and Music Academy. His body of work showcases a diverse range of styles; initially influenced by Chopin and Scriabin, he later explored the compositions of Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky, ultimately developing a unique style that merges impressionism with expressionism. His 1915 piece 'Mythes' for violin and piano represents a pivotal shift away from late German Romanticism, characterized by expressive miniatures that exhibit tonal sophistication and impressionistic allure, making them ideal for performance due to their accessible virtuosity. The pieces include: I. La Fontaine d'Arethuse, II. Narcisse, and III. Dryades et Pan.