Paciorkiewicz Violin Concertos Display Fine Craftsmanship

According to Polish composer Tadeusz Paciorkiewicz, "even the best craftsmanship and compositional skills are only a means

to achieve the goal of expressing a work." That philosophy is very much evident in this recording of his music. it features his 1955 Violin Concerto and his 1983 Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra.

Paciorkiewicz's music balances order and sponteniety. The Violin Concerto is modeled on the classical three-movement form. But within that framework, the music changes and morphs with dizzying speed. 

Violinist Symon Telecki performs admirably. His playing is nimble and expressive. He conveys the manic energy of the work, while never losing sight of its overall organization.

Telecki is joined by Tadeusz Gadzina for the Concerto for Two Violins. Paciorkiewicz wrote that his intent was to contrast the two soloists, with the orchestra acting almost like a third voice. 

Telecki and Gadzina have very different styles of playing, which heightens the intended contrast. Telecki has a very liquid sound, while Gadzina has a more earthy tone. The concerto delivers what the composer wanted. 

I heard three very distinct elements combining and recombining. And all the while keeping their individual character.

The Huberman Philharmonic Częstochowa directed by Adam Klocek serve Paciorkiewicz's music well. My only complaint is with the recording itself. Sometimes I felt the orchestra sounded a little muffled. 

Still, I recommend this release. Paciorkiewicz's music balances tradition and modernism. It's hyperchromatic, mercurial, and yet effectively delivers its emotional content time and again.  

Tadeusz Paciorkiewicz: Violin Concertos
Symon Telecki, Tadeusz Gadzina, violin
Humberman Philharmonic Częstochowa; Adam Klocek, conductor
DUX CD 136