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MUSIC BY FELIKS NOWOWIEJSKI. FROM GERMAN ROMANTICISM TO POLISH NATIONAL TRADITION

I. Dulisz

Abstract

Feliks Nowowiejski (1877-1946) was an eminent Polish composer, organist-virtuoso, conductor and pedagogue whose years of activity coincided with significant historical and socio-cultural changes in Europe. They had a tremendous impact on the artist and his creative path. Originating from the aesthetics and style of Romantic and particularly German – music, Nowowiejski came to international fame at the beginning of the 20th century as the author of the oratorio Quo Vadis ? Op. 30, a piece that became well-known not only in Europe but also in America. After the First World War the composer settled in Poland where his works remained under the influence of Polish national and folk elements as well as religious motifs. This is especially noticeable in his songs, operas, masses and organ pieces inspired by chorale and Polish church melodies. Of particular interest are Nowowiejski’s late orchestral works which point to influences from impressionism, vitalism and barbarism. The composer’s extremely rich (over 700 works) and diversified oeuvre, which combines traditional elements with innovative ones, is nowadays experiencing its revival in Poland.

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