Henryk Gorecki (HEN-rik   Gor-ESS-kee)

Born on December 6, 1933 in Czernica, Poland

Nationality: Polish

Period/Style: Modern

About the composer:                

Henryk Gorecki is a man who follows his heart.  He writes only the kind of music he wants to write, whether people like it or not.  He feels very passionate about his music and cannot imagine a life without music.  For many years he was popular only in his country, Poland. Then a few years ago, an American orchestra made a recording of his Third Symphony, called “Symphony of Sorrowful Songs” and it went to the top of the charts.  People everywhere were hearing this music on the radio, buying CD’s, and learning out about Gorecki and his music, and they loved it!  Since then, Mr. Gorecki has traveled around the world, giving lectures and conducting orchestras, introducing people to his music.

About the music:

“Broad Waters” (15 min)

In 1979 Gorecki took some folk songs that were well-known to people in Poland, and he arranged them in a special way for a woman’s chorus.  This collection of five songs is called “Broad Waters” because each one has something to do with water – lakes, streams, rivers, etc.  Gorecki writes beautifully for chorus, allowing each line to be heard, yet blending the voices into a lovely, rich sound.  These songs are sung in Polish, so you probably won’t be able to understand the words, but just enjoy the sound of this chorus.

Suggested activities:

Find Gorecki’s hometown on the map.  What other large cities in Europe are nearby?

Can you find the names of some other Polish composers?