Grażyna Bacewicz (1909–1969) was a seminal figure in 20th-century Polish music, distinguishing herself not only as a prolific and versatile composer, but also as an accomplished violinist and pianist. Born in Łódź, Poland, she grew up in a musically inclined family and began her education in music early, eventually studying at the Warsaw Conservatory and the École Normale de Musique in Paris. Her pedagogical lineage includes the tutelage of Kazimierz Sikorski for composition, Carl Flesch for violin, and Nadia Boulanger's influence while in France. Bacewicz's extensive oeuvre spans a range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, string quartets, sonatas, and solo works that fuse neoclassical, folk, and modernist elements.

Her music is uniquely characterized by its energetic rhythms, soaring melodies, and virtuosic demands, underpinned by a personal style that skillfully assimilates both Polish and broader European traditions. As a female composer, Bacewicz broke through many barriers in her lifetime, becoming a leading voice in contemporary classical music and a pioneer for women in the field. Prominent works include her seven violin concertos, four symphonies, and numerous chamber pieces. The publication of "Grażyna Bacewicz: Complete Orchestral Works" and other recent albums continue to highlight the depth and sophistication of her musical legacy, ensuring her place in the pantheon of classical composers is both preserved and cherished.

Genres

Contemporary Classical

Early Modern Classical

Polish Classical

Related Artists

Krzysztof Penderecki

Karol Szymanowski

Henryk Górecki

Leoš Janáček

Witold Lutosławski

Bohuslav Martinů

Dmitri Shostakovich

Béla Bartók

Sofia Gubaidulina

Wojciech Kilar

Piotr Anderszewski

György Ligeti

Latest Release

Bacewicz: Kaprys Polski na klarnet i fortepian

Grażyna Bacewicz•

Maria Du Toit•

Vera Kooper

Single - Released October 11, 2024