Symphonic Poem Sad Tale, op. 13 (1908)
The images show the Kamień Karłowicza commemorating his death in the Tatra Mountains. On the stone, a symbol of the swastika, as stated in Wikipedia: "Carved under the inscription is a highlander swastika – Karłowicz's favorite sign. It is a Slavic symbol, often found in highlander ornamentation, and is called in Podhale the 'unexpected cross'"
Mieczysław Karłowicz - Violin Concerto in A Major Part 1
Mieczysław Karłowicz - Violin Concerto in A major Part 2
Mieczysław Karłowicz - Violin Concerto in A major Part 3
Stanisław Moniuszko - Fairy Tale. Winter Tale, Conte d'hiver, fantasy overture
A musical form that originated in the Romantic era, whose origin is non-musical, i.e. it comes from literary works or traditional stories.
In a very aesthetic and extremely symbolic scenery, a story begins about internal divisions, conscious choices, overwhelming feelings, and the struggle to overcome them within oneself, along with the impossibility of looking a wounded woman in the eyes.
The street buzz of Christmas preparations by the well-dressed residents of the town, where the action of "The Nutcracker. A Christmas Tale" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky takes place, captivates from the first notes coming from the orchestra.
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Mieczysław Karłowicz was an outstanding Polish composer focused mainly on symphonic music. His symphonic poem "Sad Story" op. 13, composed in 1908, is one of the most well-known works of this artist. It is worth noting that in the accompanying photographs of this recording, one can see the Kamień Karłowicza, which was erected in his honor in the Tatra Mountains, where he tragically perished in 1909. The stone also features a swastika, a highlander symbol often present in Podhale decoration, known as the "unexpected cross". Karłowicz was one of the most important representatives of Young Poland in music. His creativity was rooted in the romantic style, characterized by melody, drama, and rich orchestration. As for the form, "Sad Story" is a symphonic poem - a genre that allows the composer to tell a story, creating moods, feelings, and emotions through music. Karłowicz often drew inspiration from the beautiful Polish nature and its mysticism, which can also be seen in "Sad Story". It is a work full of melancholy, dramatic tension, and reflection, which moves listeners with its depth and expressive power. Despite Karłowicz's short life, his creativity remains an important part of Polish musical heritage and is appreciated both in the country and abroad. "Sad Story" is one of many masterpieces of this composer that conveys his exceptional talent and artistic sensitivity.
It's amazing how much can be learned about a single piece of music. "Sad Tale" by Mieczysław Karłowicz is truly a beautiful symphonic poem that not only stirs emotions but also encourages reflection on Polish history and culture. The discovery of the swastika symbol on Karłowicz's Stone is very interesting and gives us a better understanding of the composer's inspirations and fascinations. It shows that our Polish culture has rich roots and many intriguing meanings. It's worth delving into history and seeking hidden symbols that can further enrich our experience with music.