'Thinking of Motherland’ Cantata

'I and my motherland are one,' ascertained the main character in Mickiewicz’s poetic drama Forefathers’ Eve. The Romantic understanding of one’s personal identity as a quality rooted in the community arises from the an individual's life is anchored in the history of one's nation. The need to explore this further and thus discover the sense of our existence pushed Włodek Pawlik to write Myśląc Ojczyzna (Thinking of Motherland). Another source of inspiration for the cantata was the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland celebrated last year, which provided a stimulus for more reflection on tradition, history and belonging. Włodek Pawlik uses his music to present historical figures such as Mieszko I, the first Christian ruler of what is now Poland, his wife Dobrawa, Saint Adalbert of Prague and Saint Stanislaus, martyr missionaries to the Poles, Jadwiga, queen of Poland, Polish knight Zawisza the Black, king John III Sobieski and his wife Marie Casimire, as well as events such as Poland’s regaining of independence or the Warsaw Rising. The cantata concludes with a gospel-style song titled Come on Board, which draws on the pontificate of John Paul II. The cantata brings together an array of styles: r&b, pop, gospel, blues, jazz, and references to 20th and 21st century symphony music. To accompany the music, the evening will feature poetry by Juliusz Słowacki, Krzysztof Kamil Baczyński, Władysław Bełza, as well as Włodek Pawlik himself.

Featuring:

Ewa Uryga, Łukasz Jemioła, Natalia Wilk, Elwira Janasik (mezzo-soprano), Marek Bałata, Krzysztof Chalimoniuk (bass-baritone), Barbara Krukowska, Piotr Konieczny,

Włodek Pawlik Jazz Trio

Chorus and Orchestra of the Wrocław Opera

Conductor – Marcin Nałęcz-Niesiołowski

Parts:

1. Introduction (Pagan Dance / Primus Ergo Polonorum Dux), 2. Mieszko and Dobrawa, 3. Martyrs, 4. Queen Jadwiga, 5. Zawisza the Black, 6. Marie Casimire and John III Sobieski, 7. Kyrie, 8. The Diary of Zofia Bobrówna, 9. Ask Tuwim, 10. Elegy About A Polish Boy, 11. Little Pole, 12. Come Onboard

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