Variations
and Interludes on an Old Polish Carol
(dedicated
to Dorota and Wanda Sobieska and Jacek Sobieski) The
thematic core of this piece is the renowned Polish carol ‘Lulajze
Jezuniu' a gentle pulsating lullaby - ‘sleep little Jesus’.
The 17-measure tune makes three appearances.
The two instruments switch and share the variety of the roles of
contrasting registers, interweaving commentary, delicate plucked
accompaniment or the distant subdued reminiscence of the lullaby. The three interludes which follow are based on monophonic
folk material from the region of Silesia in Southern Poland.
These range through a multiplicity of meters, at once gracious
and florid and then close in an ebullient joyous dance. |