Composer

:

Karol Szymanowski

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1920

"O zawiedzionym żołnierzu" (The Disappointed Soldier) is a song cycle composed by Karol Szymanowski in 1918. The premiere of the work took place in Warsaw in 1919, with the composer himself at the piano and the baritone Stefan Witkowski as the soloist. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "Wojak" (The Soldier), is a dramatic and powerful opening, with a driving rhythm and intense vocal lines. The second song, "W nocy" (In the Night), is a haunting and atmospheric piece, with a dreamlike quality and a sense of mystery and longing. The third song, "Ucieczka" (Escape), is a fast-paced and energetic piece, with a lively piano accompaniment and a sense of urgency and excitement. The fourth song, "W lesie" (In the Forest), is a more contemplative and introspective piece, with a gentle melody and a sense of peacefulness and calm. The final song, "Do grobu" (To the Grave), is a somber and mournful piece, with a slow and mournful melody and a sense of sadness and loss. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage and convey the emotional weight of the text. Overall, "O zawiedzionym żołnierzu" is a powerful and evocative work, showcasing Szymanowski's skill as a composer and his ability to capture a wide range of emotions and moods through music. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of art to express the deepest human experiences and emotions.

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