Krzysztof Meyer
Encyclopedia
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
composer, pianist and music scholar.
Biography
Meyer was born in Cracow. As a boy he played piano and organ. He began his composition study early – in 1954, with Stanisław Wiechowicz. Then, at the State College of Music in Cracow he continued studying with Wiechowicz, and when he died in 1964, he made his diploma with Krzysztof PendereckiKrzysztof Penderecki
Krzysztof Penderecki , born November 23, 1933 in Dębica) is a Polish composer and conductor. His 1960 avant-garde Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima for string orchestra brought him to international attention, and this success was followed by acclaim for his choral St. Luke Passion. Both these...
(1965). He also studied music theory (diploma in 1966). In Paris he took courses with Nadia Boulanger
Nadia Boulanger
Nadia Boulanger was a French composer, conductor and teacher who taught many composers and performers of the 20th century.From a musical family, she achieved early honours as a student at the Paris Conservatoire, but believing that her talent as a composer was inferior to that of her younger...
(1964, 1966, and 1968), and in Warsaw he became a private pupil of Witold Lutosławski.
His Symphony No. 1 became his first work to get a performance, introduced in Cracow in 1964. In 1965, while still a student, he made his debut at the "Warsaw Autumn
Warsaw Autumn
Warsaw Autumn is the largest international Polish festival of contemporary music. Indeed, for many years, it was the only festival of its type in Central and Eastern Europe. It was founded in 1956 by two composers, Tadeusz Baird and Kazimierz Serocki, and officially established by the Head Board...
", as the youngest composer in the festival’s history (String Quartet No. 1). He was fascinated with avant-garde not only as a composer: from 1965 to 1967, as a member of "MW2 Ensemble", he performed experimental pieces, typical for the sixties, in Poland and in some West European countries. Later he continued to be active as a pianist, performing mostly his own works, or playing chamber music.
From 1966 to 1987 Meyer taught theory at the State College of Music (now Academy of Music in Kraków
Academy of Music in Kraków
The Academy of Music in Kraków is a conservatory located in downtown Kraków, Poland.-History:The Academy, until 1945 as a conservatory under the name Cracow Conservatory or Conservatory of the Music Society, was founded in 1888 by the eminent Polish composer Władysław Żeleński thanks to artistic...
) in Cracow, holding the chairmanship of the Department of Music Theory from 1972 to 1975. Since 1987 he has been professor of composition at the Hochschule für Musik
Hochschule für Musik Köln
The Cologne University of Music is a music college in Cologne, and Germany's largest academy of music.-History:The academy was founded by Ferdinand Hiller in 1850 as Conservatorium der Musik in Coeln...
in Cologne. He is currently a professor of modern music history at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He has written biographies on Dmitri Shostakovich
Dmitri Shostakovich
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a Soviet Russian composer and one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century....
and Witold Lutosławski.
Between the years 1985–1989 he was the president of the Union of Polish Composers. For fourteen years (1974–88) he took part in the work of the Repertory Committee of the "Warsaw Autumn
Warsaw Autumn
Warsaw Autumn is the largest international Polish festival of contemporary music. Indeed, for many years, it was the only festival of its type in Central and Eastern Europe. It was founded in 1956 by two composers, Tadeusz Baird and Kazimierz Serocki, and officially established by the Head Board...
" International Festival of Contemporary Music. Fellow of Collegium Invisibile
Collegium Invisibile
Collegium Invisibile is an academic society in Poland, founded in 1995, that affiliates outstanding Polish students with distinguished scholars in accordance with the idea of liberal education...
.
Music
In his early compositions (String Quartets Nos. 1–4, Symphonies Nos. 1–3) Meyer experimented with unconventional sonorities, typical of the Polish avant-garde music in the 1960s. He used twelve-tone technique, albeit freely, as well as aleatoric technique and collage. All these means appear in his first opera Cyberiada, to a science-fiction libretto after Stanisław Lem.The style of Meyer's later works reflects his interest in tradition; even his use of titles such as "string quartet", "sonata", "concerto", "symphony" are indicators of the traditional trend in his aesthetic. "There are contemporary textures and timbres, but they are usually incidental to a language in which tonal pulls and familiar signposts govern the overall flow and structure"
Selected awards
- First Prize for Symphony No. 3 (1968) at the Fitelberg Composers’ Competition
- Prix de Composition Musicale of the Prince Pierre de Monaco Foundation for opera Cyberiada (1970)
- Special Mention at Tribune Internationale des Compositeurs UNESCO in Paris for String Quartet No. 2 (1970) and String Quartet No. 3 (1976)
- First Prize at the Karol Szymanowski Competition in Warsaw for Symphony No. 4
- Gottfried-von-Herder-Preis (Vienna, 1984)
- Award of the Union of Polish Composers (1992)
- Alfred Jurzykowski Award (New York, 1994)
- Johann-Stamitz-Preis (Mannheim, 1996)
Stage works
- Cyberiada. Fantastic Comic Opera - 1970. Libretto by the composer, based upon Stanisław Lem's novel
- The Countess [Hrabina]. Ballet on the motives from Stanisław MoniuszkoStanisław MoniuszkoStanisław Moniuszko was a Polish composer, conductor and teacher. His output includes many songs and operas, and his musical style is filled with patriotic folk themes of the peoples of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth...
's opera - 1980 - The Gamblers [Igroki]. A Completed Version of Dmitri ShostakovichDmitri ShostakovichDmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was a Soviet Russian composer and one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century....
's opera after N. Gogol - 1981 (soloists of the "Bolshoi" in Moscow, Nordwestdeutsche PhilharmonieNordwestdeutsche PhilharmonieThe Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie is a German symphony orchestra based in Herford. It was founded in 1950 and, along with Philharmonie Südwestfalen and Landesjugendorchester NRW, is one of the 'official' orchestras of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia...
, Michail Jurowski, Capriccio 60 062-2) - The Maple Brothers [Klonowi bracia]. Children Opera - 1989. Libretto by the composer after E. Szwartz
Works for orchestra
- 7 symphonies:
- No. 1 – 1964
- No. 2 Epitaphium Stanisław Wiechowicz in memoriam for choir and orchestra – 1967
- No. 3 Symphonie d'Orphée for choir and orchestra – 1968
- No. 4 – 1973
- No. 5 – 1979
- No. 6 "Polish" Symphony – 1982 (Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, A. WitAntoni WitAntoni Wit is a Polish conductor. He is the present musical director of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra.Wit graduated from Kraków's State Higher School of Music, studying conducting under Henryk Czyz and composition under Krzysztof Penderecki, going on to study under Nadia Boulanger in...
, ISPV 179 CD) - No. 7 Sinfonia del tempo que passa – 2002–2003 (NOSPR, G. Chmura; DUX 0695)
- Fireballs – 1976 (Silesian PhilharmonicSilesian PhilharmonicThe Filharmonia Śląska w Katowicach is a music institution in Katowice, Silesia, Poland. The Silesian Philharmonic in Katowice was founded in 1945. The first concert of the orchestra took place on 26 of May 1945. A mixed choir was added in 1973....
, Karol StryjaKarol StryjaKarol Stryja was a Polish conductor and teacher.Stryja, son of a tailor, was born in Cieszyn and finished elementary school, gymnasium and teachers' seminary there. Since 1934 he worked as a teacher and simultaneously studied at the University of Music in Katowice...
, Polish Information Center 007) - Symphony in D major in Mozartean style – 1976
- Hommage a Johannes Brahms – 1982 (Kölner-Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester, A. Wit, KOCH 3-5037-2)
- Musica incrostata – 1988 (WOSPRiT, A. Wit, Koch Schwann 3-1573-2)
- Farewell Music – 1997
- Fireballs – 1976 (Silesian Philharmonic
Works for solo instrument(s) and orchestra
- 2 Flute concertos
- No. 1 – 1964
- No. 2 – 1983
- 2 Violin concertos
- No. 1 – 1965 (R. Lasocki, WOSPRiT, K. Stryja, Olympia OCD 323)
- No. 2 – 1996 (M. Rezler, NOSPR, G. Chmura, DUX 0594)
- Concerto da camera for oboe, percussion and strings – 1972
- Concerto for trumpet and orchestra – 1973
- Concerto for piano – 1989 (Pavel Gililov, WOSPRiT, Antoni Wit, Koch Schwann 3-1573-2)
- Concerto for saxophone and string orchestra – 1992
- Canti Amadei per violoncello ed orchestra – 1984 (I. Monighetti, Capella Cracoviensis, S. Gałoński, ISPV 179 CD)
- Concerto for violoncello and orchestra – 1995 (B. Pergamenschikov, NOSPR, A. Wit, DUX 0594)
- Concerto for harp, cello and string orchestra – 1984 (B. Trendowicz, K. Jaroszewska, Chamber Orchestra Amadeus, A. Duczmal; PR CD 085-2)
- Caro Luigi per 4 Violoncelli ed orchestra d'archi – 1989
- Concerto for clarinet and orchestra – 2001 (E. BrunnerEduard BrunnerEduard Brunner is a classical clarinetist. He began his musical education in Basel , where he was born, continuing his studies at the Paris Conservatoire with Louis Cahuzac...
, NOSPR, G. Chmura, DUX 0594) - Double concerto for violin, violoncello and orchestra – 2006 (M. Rezler, Julius BergerJulius BergerJulius Berger may refer to:*Julius Berger, character in Outcasts *Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, a German construction company in Nigeria*Julius Berger FC, a football club of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC...
, Ł. Borowicz, NOSPR; DUX 0695) - Concerto for (acoustic) guitar, kettledrums and string orchestra (2011)
Vocal works
- Symphony No. 2 Epitaphium Stanisław Wiechowicz in memoriam for choir and orchestra – 1967
- Symphony No. 3 Symphonie d'Orphée for choir and orchestra – 1968
- Liryc Triptych for tenor and chamber orchestra – 1976
- Mass for mixed choir and orchestra – 1996 (The National Orchestra and Choir in Warsaw, Antoni WitAntoni WitAntoni Wit is a Polish conductor. He is the present musical director of the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra.Wit graduated from Kraków's State Higher School of Music, studying conducting under Henryk Czyz and composition under Krzysztof Penderecki, going on to study under Nadia Boulanger in...
, ACD 096-2) - Wjelitchalnaja for mixed choir – 1988 (Polish Nightingales, Wojciech A. Krolopp, Azymuth AZ AZ CD 11.045)
- Creation (Schöpfung), oratorio for soli, choir and orchestra – 1999
- Symphony No. 8 Sinfonia da requiem for choir and orchestra – 2009
For two instruments
Violin and piano:- Misterioso for violin and piano – 1994 (A. Breuninger, I. Berger; Ars Musici AM 1204-02)
- Capriccio interotto for violin and piano – 2000 (A. Bayeva, G. Karyeva, PR CD 194; – R. Simovic, Z. Darhomorska, PR CD 191)
Cello and piano:
- Canzona per violoncello e pianoforte – 1981 (D. GeringasDavid GeringasDavid Geringas is a world-renowned cellist and conductor who studied under Mstislav Rostropovich. In 1970 he won the Gold Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition...
, T. Schatz, ISPV 192 CD; – E. Mizerska, E. Abbate, TOCC 0098) - Two sonatas for cello and piano
- Sonata per violoncello e pianoforte No.1 – 1983 (- R. Korupp, K. Meyer, Ambitus 97848; – E. Mizerska, E. Abbate, TOCC 0098)
- Sonata per violoncello e pianoforte No.2 – 2004 (E. Mizerska, K. Glensk, TOCC 0098 CD)
Other combinations:
- Impromptu multicolore for two pianos – 2000 (A. Soós, I. Haag, MGB CTS-M 107)
- Duetti concertanti for bassoon and piano – 2004 (K. & Etsuko OkazakiOkazaki-People named Okazaki:*Chieko N. Okazaki , former counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*Dai Okazaki , a Japanese comedic performer and former manga artist...
, ISPV 194 CD) - Metamorphoses for saxophone and piano – 2004 (J.-E. KellyJohn-Edward KellyJohn-Edward Kelly is an American conductor of classical music and classical saxophonist.He has performed at major concert halls in most European countries, as well as many other parts of the world, and for many years was the only classical saxophone soloist to support himself entirely by performing...
, B. Versteegh, ISPV 194)
For three instruments
- Hommage a Nadia Boulanger for flute, viola and harp – 1971 (rec. E. Gajewska, R. Duź, H. Storck, ISPV 189 CD)
- Piano Trio – 1980 (Trio Wawelskie, ISPV 176 CD; – Arcadia Trio, Bella Musica 31.2415; – Altenberg TrioAltenberg TrioThe Altenberg Trio is a piano trio formed in 1994 in Vienna. It is named after a Viennese poet Peter Altenberg. Since its debut during the Salzburg Mozart Week in 1994, it is one of the few full-time piano trios in Europe. The ensemble became Trio-in-residence of Vienna's Gesellschaft der...
, Challenge classic 72310) - Trio for flute, viola and guitar – 1992 (R. AitkenRobert Aitken (composer)Robert Morris Aitken, is a Canadian composer and flautist. He began his career as a teenager playing in a number of orchestras, notably becoming the youngest principal flautist in the history of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1958 at the age if 19. In 1971 he abandoned ensemble performance...
, E. Schloifer, R. Evers; ISPV 176 CD) - String Trio – 1993 (Deutsches Streichtrio; ISPV 176 CD; – T. Gadzina, R. Duź, M. Wasiółka; Acte Préalable AP0146)
- Trio for clarinet, violin and piano – 1998 (E. Brunner, I. Monighetti, P. Gililov; ISPV 189 CD)
- Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano – 2002 (Tomohara Yosiba, Koji and Etsuko Okazaki, ISPV 194)
For four instruments
- 12 String Quartets
- No. 1 – 1963 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 151 CD; – Kairos Quartett, polmic 016)
- No. 2 – 1969 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 184 CD)
- No. 3 – 1971 (Wilanow String Quartet Veriton ECD 035 & ISPV 184 CD)
- No. 4 – 1974 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 162 CD)
- No. 5 – 1977 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 162 CD; – Wieniawski-Quartett; Naxos 8.570776)
- No. 6 – 1981 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 162 CD; – Wieniawski-Quartett; Naxos 8.570776)
- No. 7 – 1985 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 151 CD)
- No. 8 – 1985 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 151 CD; – Dafô Quartet, DUX 10190; – Wieniawski-Quartett; Naxos 8.570776)
- No. 9 – 1990 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 171 CD)
- No. 10 – 1994 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 184 CD)
- No. 11 – 2001 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 192 CD)
- No. 12 – 2005 (Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 192 CD; – Dafô Quartet, polmic 027)
- Quattro colori for clarinet, trombone, 'cello and piano – 1970
- Concerto retro for flute, violin, violoncello and harpsichord – 1976 (E. Gajewska, T. Gadzina, M. Wasiółka, K. Meyer, Acte Préalable AP0076)
For five or more instruments
- Clarinet Quintet – 1986 (E. BrunnerEduard BrunnerEduard Brunner is a classical clarinetist. He began his musical education in Basel , where he was born, continuing his studies at the Paris Conservatoire with Louis Cahuzac...
, Wilanow String Quartet, ISPV 147 CD; – P. Drobnik, Kwartet Wieniawski; Dux 0507/0508) - Capriccio per sei strumenti – 1988 (E. Gajewska, T. Gadzina, R. Duź, M. Wasiółka, ISPV 189 CD)
- Piano Quintet – 1991 (Wilanow String Quartet & K. Meyer; ISPV 171 CD; – Wieniawski Quartet & Andrzej Tatarski; Dux 0507/0508)
- Cinque colori for flute, violin, violoncello, percussion and piano – 2001
For piano solo
- 6 Sonatas for Piano
- No. 1 – 1962 (K. Meyer, Acte Préalable AP0076)
- No. 2 – 1963 (B. Otto, Sächsische Tonträger LC 9930)
- No. 3 – 1966
- No. 4 – 1968
- No. 5 – 1975
- No. 6 – 2006
- 24 Preludes for piano – 1978 (K. Meyer, ISPV CD 174; – P. Kubica, SMS RP 12691 CD )
- Quasi una Fantasia for piano – 2005
For other keyboards
- Sonata for harpsichord – 1973 (E. ChojnackaElisabeth ChojnackaElisabeth Chojnacka is a Polish harpsichordist living in France. She is one of the world's foremost harpsichordists specializing in the performance of contemporary harpsichord music....
, ERATO Japan CD 056044 - Fantasy for organ – 1990 (S. Palm; KR 10068)
For violin solo
- Sonata for violino solo – 1975 (W. Marschner, ISPC 192 CD)
- 6 Preludes for violin solo – 1981
For cello solo
- Two Sonatas for Cello
- no. 1 – 1961 (R. Korupp, CD Ambitus 97484)
- no. 2 – 2007
- Moment musical – 1976
- Monologue – 1990 (D. GeringasDavid GeringasDavid Geringas is a world-renowned cellist and conductor who studied under Mstislav Rostropovich. In 1970 he won the Gold Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition...
; ConBrioDisc ConBES 2019)
For flute solo
- Sonata per flauti soli – 1980 (E. Gajewska, Acte Préalable AP0076; – B.-G. Schmitt, ISPV 194 CD)
Writings
- Schostakowitsch – Sein Leben, sein Werk, seine Zeit, Bergisch Gladbach 1995; also: Paris 1994, Amsterdam 1996, Madrid 1997, St Petersburg 1998, Warsaw 1999, Moscow 2006, Mainz 2008. [Orig. in Polish 1973.]
- Witold Lutosławski (with Danuta Gwizdalanka), Cracow 2003 (vol. 1), 2004 (vol. 2)
- Dmitri Schostakowitch. Erfahrungen, Leipzig 1983
- Prokofjew und Schostakowitsch, in: Bericht über das internationale Symposion "Sergej Prokofjew – Aspekte seines Werkes und der Biographie", Regensburg 1993, s. 111–133
- Analyse musikalischer Form in Psychologischer Hinsicht, in: Musikpedagogik als Aufgabe, Kassel 2003
- and numerous articles published in Poland and abroad.
Literature
- B. M. Maciejewski: 12 Polish Composers. Allegro Press. London, 1976, p. 202-206.
- L. Rappoport-Gelfand: Musical Life in Poland. The Postwar Years 1945-1977. Gordon & Breach, New York etc. 1991, p. 133-141. ISBN 2-88124-319-3