French inspirations of Witold Lutosławski in the program of the fourth edition of IYLO workshops

The idea of the project was not only to create a space for aspiring instrumentalists to gain inspiration but also to polish the technique of the best musicians in Europe and to present a unique project in the orchestra, inspired by the works of Witold Lutosławski. Every year, the concert repertoire is based on the works of the famous Polish composer and the works that inspired him.

The work of the patron, performed during the workshop closing concert, will be "Chantefleurs et chantefables" representing the late period of Witold Lutosławski's work. "Śpiewokwiaty i Śpiewabajki" is the cycle of nine songs for soprano and orchestra with a single set of wind instruments. The compositions comprising a collection of orchestral miniatures were written to words by the French poet Robert Desnos from 1955, taken from the collection of poems of the same title. The work consists of poetic sound scenes painted with extraordinary subtlety. The sound of the song brings to mind the works of French masters such as Ravel, Debussy and Roussel. At the same time, one can find a reminiscence of Lutosławski's early works from the 1940s and 1950s. For the first time in the history, ILYO used a vocal-instrumental piece.

Staying in the circle of Witold Lutosławski's French inspirations, the program of the concert and workshops included "Petite Suite" op. 39 by Albert Roussel from 1929. The piece is one of the most frequently played works by Albert Roussel, a French composer of the 20s and 30s. Written in a neoclassical style, the charming and humorous three-part suite was created in an unusual way. The composer first composed the extreme parts: "Aubade" and "Mascerada", and only later composed the middle "Pastorales". The suite begins with an energetic rhythm, sensual and flickering melodies, which in combination with a subtle orchestration creates a very vivid effect. Apparently, the melodic figures in the flute part represent the singing of birds outside the composer's residence. The central part is a romantic, passionate and singing presentation of the possibilities of solo instruments such as French horn, the oboe, the clarinet or the trumpet. The whole is crowned with the part III, pulsating with rhythmic vigor and brilliant orchestration, which brings the Suite closer to a joyful, though somewhat violent, closure.

The final concert will end with "Sinfonia di Sfere", that is Symphony No. 5 by Andrzej Panufnik – an outstanding composer, and privately a friend of Witold Lutosławski. The work is the best example of the composer's interest in the principles of symmetry and geometry. Both areas are here the formal basis of the entire composition and are manifested in the smallest details of the work. In "Sinfoni di Sphere", the choice of intervals, as well as dynamic and melodic motifs are also symmetrical. This kind of intricately composed work is the reason why Andrzej Panufnik was hailed as "the architect of 20th century music". It is worth remembering, however, that for a composer, the perfection of constructing his own compositions was always meant to serve a better flow of feelings and emotions.

The recruitment for young musicians lasts until June 30th, 2021.

Applications must be submitted using the online form..

Before sending the application, please read the REGULATIONS