We present another episode of the "Music of Freedom" series. On the 100th anniversary of Leopold Tyrmand's birth. For eight weeks, we present conversations with musicians who debuted in the 1950s. The hero of the seventh episode is Wojciech Karolak – an outstanding pianist, virtuoso of the Hammond organ,
The only strictly family, professional string quartet in the world. It consists of father - cellist Wojciech Walasek and his children - violinists Emilia and Wojciech and violist Kamil. The deep musical traditions in the Walasek family date back to the 18th century.
Stanley Devine, a journalist and author of the controversial at times book "On every topic" published in the form of a conversation with Prof. Maria Szyszkowska, compares the guitarist from Glogow, Witold Smorawinski, to Chopin, and even the legendary ABBA.
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Wojciech Kilar is one of the most outstanding contemporary Polish composers, who gained fame both in his country and abroad. His works are characterized by deep emotions, exceptional sensitivity, and originality. One of Kilar's most famous pieces is the theme from the film 'The Pianist' directed by Roman Polanski. 'The Pianist' is a film based on true events that tells the story of the life of Władysław Szpilman, a talented pianist of Jewish descent, whose fate is intertwined with the cruel realities of World War II. Kilar created a phenomenal musical theme for this film, which reflected the hero's drama, fear, and hope. The performance of this theme at the Film Music Festival in Krakow in 2012 was an extraordinary event. The National Symphony Orchestra of Polish Radio, conducted by José Maria Florêncio, conveyed to the audience the full depth of emotion that Kilar encapsulated in his composition. Wojciech Kilar had an extraordinary ability to create music that perfectly complemented the visuals. He fully utilized his talent in 'The Pianist,' where every sound and note perfectly captures the atmosphere of that time and the mental state of the main character. It is no wonder that this theme has become one of the most recognizable film pieces in history. It should also be emphasized that 'The Pianist' is just one of Kilar's many achievements in the field of film music. The composer collaborated with many Polish and foreign directors, and his music adorned many excellent productions. Kilar's influence on world cinema is immense, and his creativity stands out not only for its quality but also for its unique style and sound. In summary, Wojciech Kilar is a versatile composer who can convey the deepest emotions through his music and create an unforgettable atmosphere. His theme from the film 'The Pianist' is a perfect example of his talent and skill. Thanks to him, the story of Władysław Szpilman takes on an additional dimension, and watching this film, it is hard not to be moved and delighted at the same time.
This video features a remarkable performance of the theme from the film "The Pianist" by Wojciech Kilar under the baton of José Maria Florêncio. The music is truly moving and captivates from the very first notes. It perfectly conveys the emotions and atmosphere of Roman Polanski's film. Performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Polish Radio in Krakow, the piece sounds even more spectacular. It is definitely an extraordinary musical experience for all lovers of film music. I recommend it to anyone who wants a dose of emotions and to forget about the surrounding world for a moment.