Composer of the Month 1/2013: Witold Lutoslawski (selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Poland 18.10.2008 The video shows the youth orchestra "Simon Bolivar" from Venezuela under the direction of Giancarlo Guerrero with the 1st movement (Intrada) from the "Concerto for Orchestra" by Witold Lutoslawski. The Polish composer and conductor Witold Lutoslawski was born in Warsawon on 25 January 1913. Parallel to his musical education at the Warsaw Conservatory, he studied mathematics and science. In music and mathematics, he found many similarities, which influenced his compositions. His first major composition "Symphonic Variations" was published in 1938. Since his symphonic works initially were banned in Poland after the 2nd World War, he wrote a lot of music for broadcasting, film, theater and numerous songs for children. It was not until the mid-1950s that he was able to perform his - often experimental - symphonic works at various festivals in Poland and in other European countries. During a stay in the USA Lutoslawski led composition courses 1962, in the 70s and 80s he was a regular guest conductor at the concert stages worldwide. Witold Lutoslawski died on 7 February 1994 in Warsaw as an internationally recognized composer and musician, honored with many awards. In January 2013, we commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. More composer can be found in the members only section