Henryk Mikołaj Górecki and his music

Abstract

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, one of the most renowned Polish composers, died on 12 November 2009. Athough he is no longer present among us, his music lives on. Sadly, many of contemporary musicians did not or did not want to notice the music composed by Professor Górecki. Some listeners got shocked, others were astonished by it. The music, aesthetic and philosophical values of his III Symphony were only discerned after 17 years. The triumphal return to Poland of the III Symphony’s scores arouse the great, unprecedented worldwide, interest in H. M. Górecki’s compositions. This unbelievably modest artist, both in life and in art, remained uncompromising until the end.

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki created his compositions while being deeply rooted in the Polish tradition, particularly folk and religious, which was his source of inspiration. Before developing his own style he went a long artistic way. Always openly declared his origin that can be heard in his compositions and in his views of which he was never ashamed. He lived an austere life among his highlanders, disregarding his fame, solemn banquets and presents.

During the last 20 years I have been privileged to perform Professor Górecki’s choral music with ten choirs, including 4 professional ones at the distinguished concerts, competitions and festivals. The choral music has been recorded on 12 CD records featuring various performers. With the assistance of the Choir of Polish Radio and as requested by the composer, I delivered several first performances of his works.

I am a great debtor to the Professor for his teaching me humbleness towards music, humbleness towards every artist, co-performer and myself.