
SLAVIC
SESSIONS
FYC Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
Slavic Sessions is a dream that has been a long time coming. Early on after meeting guitarist Mateusz Kowalski, the idea arose to join forces in a celebration of Slavic musical heritage. What emerged was an album of guitar duets spanning three centuries of music from Chopin and Dvořák to contemporary composers Marek Pasieczny and Miroslav Tadić. We approach each piece with intimacy and dynamism, providing a unique new sound to familiar and cherished melodies.
AUDIO
VIDEO
The album's program spans three centuries of music, creating a panorama of Slavic sensibility from Romanticism to the contemporary era. Fryderyk Chopin's Nocturne in B-flat minor Op. 9 No. 1, in Jerzy Koenig's transcription, opens the album with a poetic meditation on the universal power of melancholy. The piano's intimacy gains a new dimension in the delicate texture of two guitars, emphasizing the contemplative character of this miniature gem of Romanticism.
Antonín Dvořák's output is represented by two Slavonic Dances in an arrangement by Duo Mirić. The orchestral richness of the Czech master, with its characteristic rhythms and harmonic language, is here transposed to a chamber scale while preserving the full essence of Slavic character and dance energy.
Contemporary compositional language is represented by Marek Pasieczny's cycle "Polish Impressions" – a collection of twelve miniatures founded upon the most recognizable Polish folk melodies. The composer creates a fascinating synthesis of tradition and modernity, in which folk songs like "The Red Apple" and "In the Brick Basement" gain the harmonic richness of 21st-century compositional techniques.
The album's unique value lies in the world premiere recordings of works by Miroslav Tadić. "Stana's Lament" is an emotionally intense lament, while "Walk Dance No. 2" reveals the wilder, more primal side of Balkan Slavic culture with its characteristic irregular meters.
Quote from Marek Pasieczny, Composer
“One of the finest interpretations of this cycle. Unity, intensity, energy, color, and a sensitivity to musical nuances infused with elements of Polish folk.
From the beautiful, long phrases (Miniatures 3, 7), and the refined colors (2, 11), to the extraordinary, surging energy (8, 12). With Slavic sensitivity in (1, 6) and a beautifully shaped dynamic spectrum (10, 11). It is a great joy for any composer to have such performers.”
Quote from Miroslav Tadic, Composer
“It is a thrill to hear my music played with such passion, conviction and precision, placed in the context of such a finely conceived and executed project. Bravo!”
LINE UP
Mak Grgic, Classical Guitar
Mateusz Kowalski, Classical Guitar
Thank you for listening to my music!
If you wish to share your project with me, please do so by filling out the form below, or simply email me at makgrgicfyc@gmail.com, and provide the information listed below. Good luck!