Katarzyna Szymańska-Stułka
Chopin University of Music, Warsaw (Poland).
ORCID ID 0000-0002-1862-6218
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37627/2311-9489-24-2023-2.55-62
Keywords: Szymanowski, Kyiv, Myths, Metopes, free musical poem.
Abstract.
Karol Szymanowski was a multidimensional figure. His musical and literary achievements, which are as numerous as his musical compositions, are widely known. He made literary translations, recomposed poetic texts for his songs, and also created librettos for his own stage works so he was a kind of composer sensitive to words and meaning they carry. He drew much of his inspiration from them for his musical works but he remained open to both musical and cultural impulses. In his colourful life, full of various creative accents, the Kyiv episode is clearly visible. These were the years around 1914–1918, when Kyiv became the place of residence of the Szymanowski’s family, sheltering from the war during the winter months. The composer, as was his custom, immersed himself deeply in the then atmosphere of this extraordinary city. During Szymanowski’s stay in Kyiv, the Myths were premiered, Masks and Songs of the Fairy Tale Princess were also created at this time. The Kyiv years constitute one of the most creative phases of the compositional activity of the author of King Roger. This paper discusses the artistic inspirations in Szymanowski’s life during this period, as well as Szymanowski’s connections with Kyiv. It presents the analysis of Myths and Metopes referring to the new form — a free poem, explored by Szymanowski at that time. Places, people and events related to Szymanowski during these years as well as creative inspirations in the context of the musical environment of Kyiv are highlighted here.
Authors Biography.
Katarzyna Szymańska-Stułka, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Composition and Theory of Music, Chopin University of Music, Warsaw (Poland).
katarzyna.szymanska-stulka@chopin.edu.pl
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Published: 2023
Section: WORLD CULTURE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.