Paweł Szymański
(*1954)
Composer. His oeuvre derives from clear formal, structural, and expressive oppositions. Most frequently referring to 18th century music, its bottom layer breaks through only times, transformed and covered by contemporary structure. Szymański contrasts sharp and ragged motifs with static planes immersed in the sound of harps, celestas, percussion instruments rubbed with bows, tin whistles, and extensive glissandos. The mysterious, mystical aura of Szymański’s pieces collides with the sound of “przeszkadzajki” [minor percussion instruments] and sound games. (KS)