Album insights
Sigismond (Zygmunt) Stojowski, born on April 8, 1870, near Kielce, received his initial composition lessons in Krakow from Wladyslaw Zelenski. His musical education continued at the Paris Conservatory from 1887 to 1889, studying under Léo Delibes for composition, Théodore Dubois for harmony, and Louis Diémer for piano. Upon graduation, he furthered his studies with Wladyslaw Górski and Ignacy Paderewski. Stojowski obtained a humanities diploma from the University of Paris-Sorbonne.
In 1905, Stojowski settled in New York, where he led the piano department at the Institute of Musical Arts, later incorporated into the Juilliard School. He became the first Polish composer honored with an entire concert by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1915. Stojowski performed solo concerts in Europe, North and South America and collaborated with prominent orchestras. His teaching demand led him to establish the "Stojowski Studios" in Manhattan and conduct summer courses for 20 years in the USA.
Stojowski was a renowned late Romantic composer during his lifetime. His acclaimed Symphony in D minor premiered in 1901 at the founding concert of the Warsaw Philharmonic. He appeared as both composer and pianist at the inaugural concerts of the Lwów Philharmonic Orchestra in 1902. Regrettably, he only returned to Poland once after the outbreak of World War I, for a performance in 1929 with the Warsaw Philharmonic.
Stojowski's music is recognized for its lyricism and chromatic richness. His later works expanded tonal boundaries, sometimes abandoning tertian tonality for quartal, quintal, and diminished fifths to create harmonic fields. Impressionistic influences are evident in his use of tritones, whole-tone scales in melodic and harmonic combinations, parallel progressions, and unique coloristic ideas like creating overtones by silently depressing piano keys.
Aside from his musical pursuits, Stojowski actively engaged with the American Polonia community during World War I, advocating for Polish causes and post-1918 the new independent state. He received the Order of Polonia Restituta in 1926 for his efforts. Stojowski also held positions in New York's Polish circles, founded the Polish Institute of Arts and Letters, authored numerous articles on music and Polish history, and chaired the Polish Musicians' Committee during World War II.
This exceptional, yet sadly overlooked, Polish musician and patriot passed away on November 5, 1946, in New York. The works recorded on this CD attest to Sigismond Stojowski's prominent status among the great late Romantic composers.
The Deux Pensées Musicales, Op. 1, were composed in Paris in 1888 or 1889 when Stojowski was under the tutelage of Léo Delibes. The pieces reflect his gift for rich harmonies and beautiful melodies. Mélodie, the first piece from the Pensées, was particularly popular, appearing in numerous editions and even adapted for violin, organ, and orchestral settings.
Stojowski's Deux Orientales, Op. 10, presents two distinct musical pictures of the Orient, showcasing different moods and characters. The Romance and the Caprice oriental transport listeners to Middle Eastern and Constantinopolitan settings, respectively, with vibrant and energetic compositions.
Rafael Kammerer praised the "tremendous" Oriental works, offering a remarkable musical experience comparable to Balakirev's Islamey. These pieces, dedicated to specific individuals, emphasize Stojowski's evocative musical storytelling.
Variations on a Krakow Theme derive from a Polish folk melody, embodying both patriotic and religious themes. This G major piece unfolds as a series of nine variations, showcasing intricate musical transformations and harmonic explorations.
Stojowski's larger-scale compositions, including the Fantasie, Op. 38, and the Variations and Fugue, Op. 42, reveal his prowess in intricate musical forms and contrapuntal techniques. The Fantasie, though misnamed, demonstrates structured musical storytelling reminiscent of Chopin's work.
Stojowski's Aspirations, Op. 39, walk the fine line between late Romanticism and Impressionism, offering atmospheric and evocative musical sketches. This collection of five pieces evokes varied emotional landscapes, blending traditional romantic elements with impressionistic colorations.
Lastly, the Variations and Fugue on an Original Theme, Op. 42, exemplify Stojowski's mastery of counterpoint and fugue writing, showcasing daring harmonic choices and forward-looking modernistic elements. This composition, resonant with bold harmonies and intricate musical structures, highlights Stojowski's innovation.
Joseph A Herter © 2004 Translation: Elke Hockings