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Donald Macleod introduces us to Lutoslawski's alter-ego, Derwid, and explores his conducting career and reaction to both further political unrest in Poland and personal tragedy.

Witold Lutoslawski's extraordinary life mirrors the turbulent history of his homeland Poland, yet he consistently denied the effect of any of this tumult on his music. Donald Macleod is joined this week by Dr Nicholas Reyland to explore the truth of this denial alongside the life and career of one the most revered composers of the Twentieth Century. Wednesday's episode introduces us to the composer's alter-ego, Derwid, and explores Lutoslawaski's conducting career, and his reaction to both further political unrest in Poland and personal tragedy.

"Derwid": Nie oczekuje dzis nikogo (I'm not expecting anyone today)
Rena Rolska (vocals)
Polish Radio Dance Orchestra
Ryszard Damrosz (conductor)

Livre pour Orchestre
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Witold Lutoslawski (conductor)

Cello Concerto
Rostropovich (cello)
Orchestre de Paris
Witold Lutoslawski (conductor)

Producer: Sam Phillips.

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Derwid

    Nie oczekuje dzis nikogo (I'm not expecting anyone today)

    Performer: Rena Rolska. Orchestra: Polish Radio Dance Orchestra. Conductor: Ryszard Damrosz.
    • POLSKA NOSTALGIA.
  • Witold LutosÅ‚awski

    Livre pour Orchestre

    Orchestra: Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Witold Lutosławski.
    • BRILLIANT CLASSICS : 9011/2.
    • BRILLIANT CLASSICS.
    • 1.
  • Witold LutosÅ‚awski

    Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

    Performer: Mstislav Rostropovich. Orchestra: Orchestre de Paris – Philharmonie. Conductor: Witold Lutosławski.
    • EMI : CDC-749304-2.
    • EMI.
    • 1.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 24 Jan 2018 12:00
  • Wed 27 Feb 2019 12:00

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