Polish narrative in Pristina with the finesse of romantic and modern sounds

Two major works of the Polish repertoire for string quartets presented Polish culture in the lobby of the National Library of Kosovo. “String Quartet No. 2, Op. 42” by Władysław Żeleński opened the musical narrative of the Polish composer Żeleński, a key figure in the development of Polish music at the end of the 19th century, is known for his ability to combine formal elegance with emotional sensitivity. In the second part of the concert, “String Quartet No. 3” by composer Grażyna Bacewicz was performed, representing one of the peaks of modern music of the 20th century

It was not just a musical evening, but also a celebration of cultural cooperation between Kosovo and Poland and a state holiday. The concert of the Krakow Philharmonic String Quartet in Pristina came as a rich combination of Polish tradition and modern expression. The Polish musical ensemble represented the finesse and discipline of chamber music. 

Two major works of the Polish repertoire for string quartet have presented Polish culture in the lobby of the National Library of Kosovo. 

“String Quartet No. 2, Op. 42” by Władysław Żeleński opened the musical narrative. The four-movement work – “Allegro con brio”, “Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo e scherzando”, “Molto contabile” and “Allegro molto vivace” ​​– was filled with lyricism, warm harmonies and classical construction with romantic melodies. The Pole Żeleński, a key figure in the development of Polish music at the end of the 19th century, is noted for his ability to combine formal elegance with emotional sensitivity.
The interpretation of these works is carried out by four distinguished Polish musicians: Joanna Konarzewska and Zuzanna Frankiewicz on violin, Martyna Sołtys on cello and Jan Czyżewski on viola. All are members of the Krakow Philharmonic and have built distinguished careers as soloists and chamber ensemble musicians. Their interpretations are known for technical precision, artistic sensitivity and deep musical communication between them.

The second part of the concert featured the performance of the composer Grażyna Bacewicz's "String Quartet No. 3". As written, the work represents one of the pinnacles of modern music of the 20th century. 

This work is characterized by dynamic rhythms, strong contrasts, and an inner energy that reflects the composer's creative spirit. The work has three movements – "Allegro", "Andante", and "Vivo". 
Bacewicz, known as one of the most important figures in modern Polish music, was also a virtuoso violinist. This is reflected in the way she treats string instruments in her work.
Violist Jan Czyżewski has said that the composer is one of the most important people in Polish culture. 

"She has performed much more all over the world, especially being such a great composer. So we wanted to share with you some of the classics and some of the more contemporary pieces. We hope it was enjoyable, as we heard from the audience's applause," he said. 
He highlighted the work of composer Żeleński, which opened the quartet's program. 

"We chose some Polish pieces, first of all, Władysław Żeleński's 'Second Quartet', which is based on Polish romanticism. He was one of the most important composers, perhaps not so well-known, but very important for the Polish school of music," said violist Jan Czyżewski. 

He said that the acoustics were complex in the Library lobby. 

"It was a wonderful experience to perform here, even though the acoustics are not that simple compared to halls that are specifically designed for music. We keep our fingers crossed that Kosovo will have a concert hall as soon as possible," he concluded. 

Beyond a concert, the event was also a cultural experience that connected the two countries through the universal language of music. It was an exploration of Polish musical identity. 

For the Philharmonic, the concert held on the occasion of Poland's Constitution Day strengthens the artistic partnership, linking historical memory with musical collaboration between the two countries. 
The Deputy Director of the Kosovo Philharmonic, Dardan Selimaj, said that this concert will be followed by future collaborations between Kosovo and Poland in the field of classical music. 

"It also coincides with the National Day of Poland and we are happy to have the opportunity to mark the day of a country like Poland in this intercultural cooperation between two important institutions of both countries. The same concert or practice will continue throughout the year on several other occasions. In October, the Kosovo Philharmonic will have a tour in Poland, then in November Pristina will host the Polish Music Festival in the second week of the month. An initiative that has been started and continuously supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kosovo in Warsaw," said Selimaj. 

The director of the Krakow Philharmonic, Mateusz Prendota, was present. He said that works by prominent figures of classical music in Poland were performed at this concert. 

"We bring you our music from Poland, our composers Grażyna Bacewicz and Władysław Żeleński. Żeleński was one of the greatest authors of the world of classical music in Krakow in the 19th century. He created the academy, the first conservatory. Now it is the Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Krakow. He wrote several operas, many symphonies and a lot of chamber music. Grażyna Bacewicz is one of the most famous composers in Poland," said Prendota. 

The concert is part of the artistic exchange between the two countries. It follows the performance of the Kosovo Philharmonic String Orchestra in Warsaw on February 26 and the concert of the Kosovo Philharmonic Vocal Ensemble at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall on April 30, which mark important moments of this bilateral cultural bridge.

This concert series continues on May 10 with a recital by the distinguished Polish pianist Paweł Kowalski. The continuation of the tradition is expected to be the Polish Music Festival in Kosovo, an initiative under the artistic direction of conductor Wojciech Semerau-Siemianowski and the Kosovo Philharmonic, dedicated to deepening the presence of Polish music in the cultural life of Kosovo. 

The Kosovo Philharmonic will continue this exchange through a tour in October, presenting three concerts in collaboration with the Krakow Philharmonic and Dębica, as well as a fourth concert in Warsaw. 

The director of the Krakow Philharmonic said he is looking forward to this collaboration. 

"The Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir will perform at our institution with the work 'Beatus' by Górecki and the Oratorio of Mother Teresa during the days of John Paul II in Krakow, which was an important city for him as he was the cardinal and archbishop of this city for many years," he said. 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Poland, Drilon Gashi, said that this concert supports classical music in Kosovo. 

"I am convinced that we should support this genre as much as possible in Kosovo and from Kosovo abroad. Kosovo can be very proud of the great talent it has in this field, but we have a lot of work to do to further develop classical music with concert halls and in building organizational and institutional capacities in general. This will ensure that tomorrow our music will be present in Europe and Kosovo will be more present there in terms of culture," said Gashi, while emphasizing the importance of Poland's Constitution Day and its uniqueness.

"We are fortunate to host the Krakow Philharmonic Quartet tonight, especially for Polish Constitution Day. This is perhaps the second most important Polish national day, so we are celebrating the Polish constitution, which is the first modern constitution in all of Europe and the second modern constitution in the whole world," Gashi continued. 

The concert of the Krakow Philharmonic String Quartet sounded like a story in its own right among Pristina.