Polish Caprice for Solo Violin by Grazyna Bacewicz
Published by Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne
Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) was a major Polish composer of the 20th century. Her music is characterized by folk-influenced lyricism, modernist angularity, and bristling energy. She was also a violinist of considerable skill, pursuing studies with Carl Flesch and placing as a finalist in the first Wieniawski International Violin Competition. She became the concertmaster of the Polish Radio Symphony and during World War Two gave secret, underground concerts of her own music.
Bacewicz's commanding knowledge of the violin's capabilities are on display with the short but substantial Polish Caprice (1949). Its dramatic twists, exhilarating thrills, and influences of Polish folk dance has made it a memorable and popular showpiece and recital mainstay. Advanced level, Grade 5.
