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.