USC Monogram Polish Music Center Books


Henryk Mikołaj Górecki: List of Works


Cztery preludia [Four Preludes], op. 1 (1955) - piano

  1. Molto agitato
  2. Lento-recitativo
  3. Allegro scherzando
  4. Molto allegro quasi presto
duration: c. 8 min.
date/place of composition: October-December 1955, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 30 January 1970, Katowice: Kazimierz Morski - piano
recording(s):

Toccata, op. 2 (1955) - two pianos
duration: c. 3 min.
date/place of composition: December 1955, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: Bernard Biegoń, Magdalena Kubzda - pianos
recording(s):

Trzy pieśni [Three Songs], op. 3 (1956) - medium voice, piano
  1. Do matki [To mother]
  2. Jakiż to dzwon grobowy [What was this funereal bell]
  3. Ptak [The Bird]
text(s): 1., 2. Juliusz Słowacki; 3. Julian Tuwim
duration: c. 4 min.
dedication: 'In memory of my dear mother'
date/place of composition: January 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 1960, Cologne: Krystyna Szostek-Radkowa - mezzo-soprano, Magdalena Kubzda - piano


Variations, op. 4 (1956) - violin, piano
duration: c. 10 min.
date/place of composition: March 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: Edward Cygan - violin, Magdalena Kubzda - piano


Quartettino, op. 5 (1956) - two flutes, oboe, violin
  1. Molto allegro
  2. Lento e molto espressivo
  3. Presto
duration: c. 8 min.
date/place of composition: March 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: Edward Cygan - violin, Magdalena Kubzda - piano


Piano Sonata, op. 6 (1956) - piano
  1. Allegro molto, con fuoco
  2. Grave pesante e corale
  3. Allegro vivace (ma non troppo)
duration: c. 12 min.
dedication: 'To J. R.' [Jadwiga Rurańska]
date/place of composition: August 1956, Rydułtowy; revised: May 1984, Chochołów; November 1990, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 28 July 1984, Lerchenborg Music Days, Denmark (first mov't only): Eugeniusz Knapik - piano
17 March 1991, Helsinki Biennale (complete): Paul Crossley - piano
recording(s):

Pieśni o radości i rytmie [Songs of Joy and Rhythm], op. 7 (1956, 1960) - two pianos, chamber orchestra
a) 1956 version (withdrawn):
  1. Preludium and Toccata
  2. Recitative-etiuda [Recitative-Etude]
  3. Przygrywka lyriczna [Lyric Prelude]
  4. Mały koncert fortepianowy [Little Piano Concerto]
instrumentation: picc.1.1.1.1 - 0.1.0.0 - timp.perc(3) - cel - 2pf - 8vn
duration: c. 11.5 min.
date/place of composition: August 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: Bernard Biegoń, Karol Procner - pianos, Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Karol Stryja - cond.
b) 1960 version:
  1. Marcato
  2. Con moto
  3. Non troppo
  4. Ritmico
instrumentation: picc.1.0.1.1 - 0.1.1.0 - timp.perc(3) - cel - 2pf - str(6.6.6.6.0)
duration: c. 14 min.
date/place of composition: December 1959 - 15 January 1960, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 8 July 1990, London: Andrew Ball, Julian Jacobson - pianos, Opus 20, Scott Stroman - cond.
recording(s):

Sonatina in One Movement, op. 8 (1956) - violin, piano
duration: c. 2.5 min.
date/place of composition: November 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: not known


Kołysanka [Lullaby], op. 9 (1956, 1980) - piano
duration: c. 4 min.
dedication: 'To Jadwiga'
date/place of composition: 26 November 1956, Rydułtowy; revised 14 June 1980, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Z ptasiego gniazda [From the Bird's Nest], op. 9a (1956) - piano
  1. Marsz [March]
  2. Piosenka ludowa [Folksong]
  3. Stara melodia [Old Melody]
  4. Scherzo
  5. Druga piosenka ludowa [Second Folksong]
  6. Interludium
  7. Bagatelle
  8. Drugi marsz [Second March]
  9. Finale a la danse
date/place of composition: November 1956, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Sonata, op. 10 (1957) - two violins
  1. Allegro molto
  2. Adagio sostenuto
  3. Andante con moto-Con anima a la danse
duration: c. 16.5 min.
dedication: 'To Jadwiga Rurańska'
date/place of composition: February - March 1957, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: Edward Cygan, Henryk Gruszka - violins
recording(s):

Concerto for Five Instruments and String Quartet, op. 11 (1957)
  1. Sostenuto
  2. Dolce
  3. Non troppo
  4. Marcato, ritmico
instrumentation: fl.cl - tp - xyl - mand - str (1.1.1.1.0)
duration: c. 10.5 min.
dedication: 'To Leon Markiewicz'
date/place of composition: 19 August - 21 September 1957, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 February 1958, Katowice: members of the Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Karol Stryja - cond.


Epitafium, op. 12 (1958) - mixed choir, ensemble
  1. Preludium
  2. Chorał [Chorale]
  3. Antyfona [Antiphon]
  4. Postludium
instrumentation: picc - tp - perc(5) - vla
text(s): Julian Tuwim
duration: c. 5 min.
commission: Andrzej Markowski
dedication: 'In memory of Julian Tuwim'
date/place of composition: 7 - 13 July 1958, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 3 October 1958, Warsaw Autumn Festival: National Philharmonic Chorus, members of the Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrzej Markowski - cond.
recording(s):

Pięc utworów [Five Pieces], op. 13 (1959) - two pianos
duration: c. 7.5 min.
date/place of composition: January - November 1959, Rydułtowy - Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: not known


Symphony No. 1 '1959', op. 14 (1959) - string orchestra, percussion
  1. Inwokacja [Invocation]
  2. Antyfona [Antiphon]
  3. Chorał [Chorale]
  4. Lauda
instrumentation: timp.perc(7) - hpd - hp - str (16.16.14.12.10)
duration: c. 20 min.
dedication: 'To Professor Bolesław Szabelski'
date/place of composition: 5 January - 21 March 1959, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 14 September 1959, Warsaw Autumn Festival (1st, 3rd, 4th mov'ts only): Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra - Katowice, Jan Krenz - cond.
15 July 1963, Darmstadt (complete): West German Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Gielen - cond.
award(s): 1st Prize, UNESCO Youth Biennale: Paris, 30 September 1961
recording(s):

Trzy diagramy [Three Diagrams], op. 15 (1959) - flute
duration: c. 6 min.
date/place of composition: November 1959, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 21 September 1961, Warsaw Autumn Festival: Severino Gazzelloni - flute


Monologhi [Monologues], op. 16 (1960) - soprano, three instrumental groups
instrumentation: hp(2) - perc(3)
text(s): Henryk Mikołaj Górecki
duration: c. 17 min.
dedication: 'To my wife'
date/place of composition: 14 - 29 April 1960, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 26 April 1968, West Berlin: Joan Carroll, Ensemble für neue Musik Freiburg, Arghyris Kounadis - cond.
award(s): 1st Prize, Polish Composers' Union Young Composers' Competition, 15 May 1960


Scontri [Zderzenia, Collisions], op. 17 (1960) - orchestra
instrumentation: 2.2picc.0.2Ebcl.bcl.2.2cbn - 4.4.3.1 - perc(8) - 2pf - 2hp - str= (30.0.12.12.8)
duration: c. 17 min.
commission: Jan Krenz
dedication: 'To Jan Krenz'
date/place of composition: 13 May - 17 June 1960, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 21 September 1960, Warsaw Autumn Festival: Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra - Katowice, Jan Krenz - cond.
recording(s):

Diagram IV, op. 18 (1961) - flute
duration: c. 7.5 - 10.5 min.
date/place of composition: 7 - 12 April 1961, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Genesis I: Elementi [Elements], op. 19, no. 1 (1962) - violin, viola, cello
duration: c. 13 min.
date/place of composition: 6 February - 19 March 1962, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 29 May 1962, Cracow: Henryk Gruszka - violin, Antoni Feliks - viola, Edward Wiertelosz - cello, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - cond.
recording(s):

Genesis II: Canti strumentali, op. 19, no. 2= (1962) - fifteen players
instrumentation: picc.fl - tp= - mand - guit - pf(4 hands) - perc(2) - str (3.0.3.0.0)
duration: c. 8 min.
date/place of composition: March - April 1962, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 16 September 1962, Warsaw Autumn Festival: members of the Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Karol Stryja - cond.
recording(s):

Genesis III: Monodramma, op. 19, no. 3 (1963) - soprano, ensemble
instrumentation: metal percussion (13), double bass (6)
text(s): Henryk Mikołaj Górecki
duration: c. 10 min.
date/place of composition: April 1963, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: not known


Trzy utwory w dawnym stylu [Three Pieces in Old Style] (1963) - string orchestra
duration: c. 10 min.
date/place of composition: 28 November - 23 December 1963, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 30 April 1964, Warsaw: Ensemble Con Moto ma Cantabile
recording(s):

Choros I, op. 20 (1964) - string orchestra
duration: c. 18 min. (preliminary version: c. 8 min.)
date/place of composition: May 1963 (preliminary version, withdrawn); January - 8 August 1964,= Rydułtowy; revised: October - December 1964, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 22 September 1964, Warsaw Autumn Festival: Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, Karol Stryja - cond.
recording(s):

Refren [Refrain], op. 21 (1965) - orchestra
instrumentation: 0.4.4.4 - 4.4.4.0 - timp(3).perc(1) - str (24.0.8.8.8)
duration: c. 17 min.
commission: Centenary of the International Telecommunications Union
date/place of composition: May - June 1965, Rydułtowy
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 October 1965, Geneva: Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Pierre Colombo - cond.
award(s): 3rd Prize, UNESCO Rostrum, 1967, Paris
recording(s):

Muzyczka 1 [Musiquette 1], op. 22 (1967) - two trumpets, guitar
duration: c. 11 min.
dedication: 'To dear Bolesław Szabelski on his 70th birthday'
date/place of composition: 24 April - 9 July 1967, Katowice
publisher(s): withdrawn
premiere: not known


Muzyczka 2 [Musiquette 2], op. 23 (1967) - ensemble
instrumentation: four tpts, four tbns, two pfs, percussion (5)
duration: c. 7.5 min.
dedication: 'To Andrzej Markowski'
date/place of composition: 12 - 29 July 1967, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 23 September 1967, Warsaw Autumn Festival: members of l'Orchestre Philharmonique de l'ORTF, Andrzej Markowski - cond.


Muzyczka 3 [Musiquette 3], op. 25 (1967) - violas (3, or multiples)
duration: c. 14 min.
dedication: 'To Anna and Zygmunt Lis'
date/place of composition: 3 - 10 October 1967, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 20 October 1967, Katowice: Jerzy Pyzik, Antoni Feliks, Pawe Rajzewicz - violas, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - cond.


Cantata, op. 26 (1968) - organ
duration: c. 13 min.
date/place of composition: 6 - 27 May 1968, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 18 July 1969, Kamień Pomorski: Romuald Sroczyński - organ
award(s): 1st Prize, Szczeciń Composers' Competition, 1968
recording(s):

Muzyka staropolska [Old Polish Music], op. 24 (1969) - brass, strings
instrumentation: 5.4.4.0 - str(min. - 8.8.8.8.8)
duration: c. 23 min.
dedication: 'To Mr. Tadeusz Szarewski'
date/place of composition: August 1967, April - May 1969, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 24 September 1969, Warsaw Autumn Festival: National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Andrzej Markowski - cond.
recording(s):

Canticum graduum, op. 27 (1969) - orchestra
instrumentation: 4.0.4.4sax.4 - 8.4.4.0 - str(24.0.8.8.8)
duration: c. 12 min.
commission: West German Radio
dedication: 'To Otto Tomek'
date/place of composition: 11 October - 3 November 1969, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 11 December 1969, Düsseldorf: West German Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Gielen - cond.


Muzyczka 4, 'Koncert puzonowy' [Musiquette 4, 'Trombone Concerto'], op. 28 (1970) - trombone, clarinet, cello, piano
duration: c. 9 min.
commission: Warsztat Muzyczny (Music Workshop)
date/place of composition: 11 - 19 March 1970, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 15 April 1970, Vienna: Music Workshop (Edward Borowiak - trombone)


Do matki (Ad matrem), op. 29 (1971) - soprano, mixed choir, orchestra
instrumentation: 4.4.4.4 - 4.4.4.0 - timp(2).perc(2) - hp - pf - str
text(s): Henryk Mikołaj Górecki (from Stabat mater)
duration: c. 10-11 min.
dedication: 'In memory of my mother'
date/place of composition: 1 - 5 June 1971, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 24 September 1972, Warsaw Autumn Festival: Stefania Woytowicz - soprano, National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, Andrzej Markowski - cond.
award(s): 1st Prize, UNESCO Rostrum, Paris, 1973
recording(s):

Dwie pieśni sakralne [Two Sacred Songs], op. 30a (1971) - baritone, piano
  1. Lento sostenuto
  2. Maestoso
text(s): Marek Skwarnicki - 'Offertorium', 'Introit'
duration: c. 5 min.
dedication: 'To my wife Jadwiga'
date/place of composition: 5 - 12 July 1971, Witów
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: not known
Dwie pieśni sakralne [Two Sacred Songs], op. 30b (1971) - baritone, orchestra
instrumentation: 0.0.4.4 - 4.4.4.1 - str
date/place of composition: July - September 1971, Witów
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 6 April 1976, Poznań Musical Spring Festival: Jerzy Artysz - baritone, Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra - Cracow, Jacek Kasprzyk - cond.


Symphony No. 2, 'Kopernikowska' ['Copernican'], op. 31 (1972) - soprano, baritone, mixed choir, orchestra
instrumentation: 4.4.4.4 - 4.4.4.1 - timp(3).perc(3) - hp - pf(4 hands) - str(36.0.12.12.12)
text(s): Psalm 145/146 (v. 6), Psalm 135/136 (vv. 7-9), Nicolaus Copernicus, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, book i (excerpt)
duration: c. 37 min.
commission: Kościuszko Foundation, New York
dedication: 'To the Kościuszko Foundation'
date/place of composition: April - December 1972, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 22 June 1973, Warsaw: Stefania Woytowicz - soprano, Andrzej Hiolski - baritone, National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, Andrzej Markowski - cond.
recording(s):

Euntes ibant et flebant [They who go forth and weep], op. 32 (1972) - mixed choir
text(s): Psalms 125/126 (v. 6), 94/95 (v. 6)
duration: c. 9 min.
date/place of composition: 13 August 1972, Katowice; December 1973, Berlin
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 31 August 1975, Wratislavia Cantans Festival, Wrocław: National Philharmonic Chorus, Andrzej Markowski - cond.
recording(s):

Dwie piosenki [Two Little Songs], op. 33 (1972) - choir (four equal voices)
  1. Rok i bieda [The year and hardship]
  2. Ptasie plotki [Bird gossip]
text(s): Julian Tuwim
duration: c. 4.5 min.
dedication: 'To dear Anusia'
date/place of composition: 1. 29 December 1972; 2. 31 December 1972, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: not known


Trzy tańce [Three Dances], op. 34 (1973) - orchestra
  1. Presto, marcatissimo
  2. Andante cantabile
  3. Presto
instrumentation: 2.2.2.2 - 3.4.3.1 - timp(2) - str
duration: c. 12 min.
commission: Rybnik Philharmonic Orchestra
dedication: 'To Antoni Szafranek and the Rybnik Philharmonic'
date/place of composition: June - July 1973, Katowice/Chochołów
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 24 November 1973, Rybnik: Rybnik Philharmonic Orchestra, Antoni Szafranek - cond.
recording(s):

Amen, op. 35 (1975) - mixed choir
duration: c. 8 min.
commission: Poznań Musical Spring Festival
dedication: 'To the 15th Poznań Musical Spring'
date/place of composition: 2 February 1975, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 5 April 1975, Poznań Musical Spring Festival: Poznań Boys' Choir, Jerzy Kurczewski - cond.
recording(s):

Symphony no. 3, 'Symfonia pieśni żałosnych' [Symphony of Sorrowful Songs], op. 36 (1976) - soprano, orchestra
  1. Lento, sostenuto tranquillo ma cantabile
  2. Lento e Largo, tranquillissimo-cantabilissimo-dolcissimo-legatissimo
  3. Lento, cantabile-semplice
instrumentation: 4.4.2.2 - 4.0.4.0 - ph - pf - str(16.14.12.10.8)
text(s): 1. anon., mid-15th century 'Lament świętokrzyski' [Holy Cross Lament], v. 4
2. Helena Wanda Błażusiakówna, graffito, 25 September 1944, Zakopane
3. anon. Opole folksong, c. 1919-1921
duration: c. 55 min.
commission: South-West German Radio, Baden-Baden
dedication: 'To my wife'
date/place of composition: 30 October - 30 December 1976, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 4 April 1977, Royan International Festival of Contemporary Art: Stefania Woytowicz - soprano, South-West German Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ernest Bour - cond.
award(s): Best-selling CD in 1993, Gramphone
Recording of the Year (1993), Classical Music Awards, London, 21 January 1994
recording(s):

Trzy małe utworki [Three Little Pieces], op. 37 (1977) - violin, piano
  1. Allegro ma non tanto
  2. Lento, cantabile e dolce
  3. Animato, marcato
duration: c. 3 min.
dedication: 'To darling Mikołaj'
date/place of composition: 27 December 1977, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 5 January 1978, Katowice: Mikołaj Górecki - violin, Jadwiga Górecki - piano


Beatus vir, op. 38 (1979) - baritone, mixed choir, orchestra
instrumentation: 4.4.4.4 - 4.4.4.4 - perc(2) - hp(2) - pf(4 hands) - str
text(s): Psalms 142/143, vv. 1, 6-8, 10; 30/31, vv. 15-16; 37/38, v. 23; 66/67, v. 7; 33/34, v. 9
duration: c. 35 min.
commission: Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, 1977
dedication: 'To the Holy Father, John Paul II'
date/place of composition: 2 April - 19 May 1979, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 9 June 1979, Cracow: Jerzy Mechliński - baritone, Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - cond.
recording(s):

Szeroka woda [Broad Waters], op. 39 (1979) - mixed choir
  1. A ta nasza Narew [O our river Narew]
  2. Oj, kiedy na Powiślu [Oh, when in Powiśle]
  3. Oj, Janie, Janie [Oh, Johnny, Johnny]
  4. Polne róże rwała [She was picking wild roses]
  5. Szeroka woda [Broad waters]
texts and melodies: trad. 1., 2., 5. from Jadwiga Gorzechowska, Szeroka woda (Warsaw, 1967); 3., 4. from Jadwiga Gorzechowska & Maria Kaczurbina, Jak to dawniej na kurpiach bywało (Warsaw, 1969)
duration: c. 16 min.
dedication: 'To Cracow friends'
date/place of composition: 2 - 11 December 1979, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 28 April 1987, Poznań Musical Spring Festival: Schola Cantorum Gedanensis, Jan Łukaszewski - cond.
recording(s):

Koncert na klawesyn - lub fortepian - e orkiestrę smyczkową[Concerto for Harpsichord - or Piano - and String Orchestra], op. 40 (1980)
  1. Allegro molto
  2. Vivace, marcatissimo
instrumentation: strings(hpd: 6.6.4.4.2; pf: 8.8.6.6.4)
duration: c. 9 min.
commission: Polish Radio and Television
dedication: 'To Elżbieta Chojnacka'
date/place of composition: 7 - 29 January 1980, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 2 March 1980, Katowice (harpsichord version): Elżbieta Chojnacka - harpsichord, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra - Katowice, Stanisław Wisłocki - cond.
22 April 1990, Poznań Musical Spring Festival (piano version): Jarosław Siwiński - piano, Poznań Music Academy Symphony Orchestra, Marcin Sompoliński - cond.
recording(s):

Mazurki [Mazurkas], op. 41 (1980) - piano
date/place of composition: 28 - 31 May 1980, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished (incomplete)


Dwie pieśni [Two Songs], op. 42 (1980) - medium voice, piano
  1. Nokturn [Nocturne]
  2. Malaguena
text(s): Federico Garc/ia Lorca, tr. Mikołaj Bieszczadowski
date/place of composition: 1. January 1956, Rydułtowy, revised 14 June 1980; 2. 23 June 1980,= Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Błogosławione pieśni malinowe [Blessed Raspberry Songs], op. 43 (1980) - voice, piano
  1. Błogosławione pieśni malinowe
  2. Co ranek, skoro ustępują cienie [Each morning, when the shadows recede]
  3. Litość [Compassion]
  4. O! Boże . . . jeden, który JESTEŚ [Oh, God . . . the one who IS]
text(s): Cyprian Kamil Norwid (1821-1883)
duration: c. 20 min.
date/place of composition: 29 October - 22 December 1980, Chochołów/Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Miserere, op. 44 (1981) - mixed choir
text(s): Domine Deus noster, MISERERE NOBIS
duration: c. 35-37 min.
dedication: 'I dedicate this to Bydgoszcz'
date/place of composition: 23 February - 27 June 1981, Katowice/Chochołów; 3 January - 6 April 1987, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 10 September 1987, Bydgoszcz Music Festival, Włocławek: Cracow Philharmonic Chorus, Bydgoszcz Arion Choir, Stanisław Krawczyński - cond.
recording(s):

Wieczór ciemny się uniża [Dark Evening is Falling], op. 45 (1981) - five folksongs for mixed choir
  1. Pytają się ludzie [People are asking]
  2. Uwiją, wianuczki [They will make little garlands]
  3. Ścięli dąbek [They felled the little oak tree]
  4. Depce konik [The little horse paws the ground]
  5. Wieczór ciemny się uniż a [Dark evening is falling]
texts and melodies: trad., from Jadwiga Gorzechowska & Maria Kaczurbina, Jak to dawniej na kurpiach bywało (Warsaw, 1969)
date/place of composition: October 1981, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Wisło moja, Wisło szara [My Vistula, Grey Vistula], op. 46 (1981) - folksong for mixed choir
text and melody: trad., from Jadwiga Gorzechowska, Szeroka woda (Warsaw, 1967)
duration: c. 4 - 4.5 min.
dedication: 'To Ms. Maria Wacholc'
date/place of composition: 29 October 1981, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 28 April 1987, Poznań Musical Spring Festival: Schola Cantorum Gedanensis, Jan łukaszewski - cond.
recording(s):

Kołysanki i tańce [Lullabies and Dances], op. 47 (1982) - violin, piano
duration: c. 15 min.
dedication: 'For Mikołaj, on his 11th birthday'
date/place of composition: 18 - 28 January 1982, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


śpiewy do słów J. Słowackiego [Songs to Words by J. Słowacki], op. 48 (1983) - voice, piano
  1. We łzach, Panie, ręce podnosimy do Ciebie [In tears, Lord, we raise our hands to You]
  2. Panie! O którym na niebosach słyszę [Lord! Of whom in the heavens I hear]
text(s): Juliusz Słowacki
duration: c. 19 min.
dedication: 'To Andrzej Bachleda'
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 14 September 1985, Zakopane: Andrzej Bachleda - baritone, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - piano


Trzy Kołysanki [Three Lullabies], op. 49 (1984) - mixed choir
  1. Uśnijże mi, uśnij [Sleep for me, sleep]
  2. Kołysz-że się kołysz [Rock, rock]
  3. Nie piej, kurku, nie piej [Don't crow, cock, don't crow]
text(s): trad. 1., 3. from Hanna Kostyrko, Chodzi, chodzi Baj po ścanie (Warsaw 1958); 2. from Oskar Kolberg, Dzieło wszystkie, vol. 26: 'Mazowsze', no. 549.
duration: c. 10.5 min.
date/place of composition: 18 - 19 March 1984, Katowice; revised 1991
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 2 August 1991, Lechenborg Music Days: Ars Nova, Bo Holten - cond.


Ach, mój wianku lewandowy [O, my Garland of Lavender], op. 50 (1984) - seven folksongs for mixed choir
  1. Ach, mój wianku lewandowy
  2. Wędrowali trzy panienki [Three lasses were wandering]
  3. Taiłam się [I have kept silent]
  4. Bzi, bzi, bzibziana
  5. Chcecie wiedzieć [Do you want to know]
  6. Po cożeś mę, matuleńku, za mąż wydała [Why did you marry me off, mummy]
  7. Dajże, Boże, plonowało [Give us, God, good harvest]
texts and melodies: trad. from Oskar Kolberg, Dzieło wszystkie, vol. 39: 'Pomorze', nos. 22, 45, 145, 147, 219, 27, 6
date/place of composition: 6 - 11 March 1984, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Idzie chmura, pada deszcz [Cloud Comes, Rain Falls], op. 51 (1984) - five folksongs for mixed choir
  1. Idzie chmura, pada deszcz
  2. Gdzie to jedziesz, Jaszu? [Where are you going, Johnny?]
  3. Kiedy będzie słońce i pogoda [When it will be sunny and warm]
  4. Szła sierotka po wsi [An orphan girl walked through a village]
  5. Czas nam do domu, dziewczyno [Time for us to go home, girl]
texts and melodies: trad., from Oskar Kolberg, Dzieło wszystkie, vol. 39: 'Pomorze', nos. 14, 81, 48, 213, 26
date/place of composition: 12 - 16 March 1984, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Sundry Pieces, op. 52 - piano
  1. Recitativo i mazurek [Recitative and Mazurka]
  2. Dwa utwory [Two Pieces]
  3. Trzy miniatury dodekafoniczne [Three Dodecaphonic Miniatures]
  4. Quasi walc [Quasi-Waltz]
dedication: 4. 'To Władisława Markiewiczówna'
date/place of composition: 1. August 1956, Rydułtowy; 2. March 1957, Katowice; 3. October - November 1957, Katowice; 4. 26 June 1961
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Recitativa i ariosa 'Lerchenmusik' [Recitatives and Ariosos 'Lerchenmusik'], op 53 (1984-86) - clarinet, cello, piano
  1. Lento-largo, Ben tenuto / Molto piu mosso-quasi allegro, Marcatissimo-acuto-energico-deciso e molto espressivo
  2. Largo, cantabile-dolce
  3. Andante moderato-tranquillo, cantabile
duration: c. 40 min.
commission: Countess Louise Lerche-Lerchenborg
dedication: 'Der lieben Louise Lerche-Lerchenborg gewidmet'
date/place of composition: July 1984, Katowice / Chochołów; rev. December 1984 - January 1985, Katowice; rev. October 1985 - 22 January 1986, Katowice / Chochołów
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes/Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne
premiere: 28 July 1984, Lerchenborg Music Days, Denmark (work-in-progress): Danish Trio
25 September 1985, Warsaw Autumn Festival (complete, first revised version): Danish Trio
12 April 1986, Poznań Musical Spring Festival (complete, second revised version): Piotr Szymyślik - clarinet, Piotr Janosik - cello, Eugeniusz Knapik - piano
recording(s):

Pieśni Maryjne [Marian Songs], op. 54 (1985) - five Marian songs for mixed choir
  1. Matko niebieskiego Pana [Mother of the heavenly Lord]
  2. Matko Najświętsza! [Most Holy Mother!]
  3. Zdrowaś bądź Maria! [Hail Mary!]
  4. Ach, jak smutna jest rozstanie [Oh, how sad is the parting]
  5. Ciebie na wieki wychalać będziemy [We shall praise You for ever]
texts and melodies: trad. (except 3.), from Jan Siedlecki, Śpiewnik kościelny
date/place of composition: February 1985, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 3 June 1985, Warsaw (3. only): Catholic Theological Academy Choir - Warsaw, Kazimierz Szymonik - cond.
recording(s): (No. 3 only)

O Domina nostra. 'Medytacje o Jasnogórskiej Pani Naszej' ['Meditations on Our Lady of Jasna Góra], op. 55 (1985) - soprano, organ
text(s): Henryk Mikołaj Górecki
duration: c. 33-34 min.
dedication: 'To Stefania Woytowicz-Rudnicki'
date/place of composition: October 1982; 23 February 1985, Katowice
publisher(s): Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne/Chester
premiere: 31 March 1985, Poznań Musical Spring Festival: Stefania Woytowicz - soprano, Michał Dąbrowski - organ
recording(s):

Pod Twoją ubronę [Under Your Protection], op. 56 (1985) - eight-part mixed choir
text(s): trad., from Jan Siedlecki, Śpiewnik kościelny
duration: c. 12 min.
date/place of composition: April 1985
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Na Anioł Pański biją dzwony [The bells ring out for the Angelus Domini], op. 57 (1986) - mixed choir
text(s): Kazimierz Przerwa Tetmajer (1865-1940)
duration: c. 11 min.
date/place of composition: April - May 1986
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Pieśni kościelne [Church Songs] (1986) - twenty-one songs for mixed choir
  1. Zdrowaś bądź Maryja [Hail Mary]
  2. Idżmy, tulmy się, jak dziatki [Let us go, hugging, like children]
  3. Szczęśliwy, kto sobie Patrona Józefa ma za opiekuna [Fortunate is he, who has St. Joseph as his protector]
  4. Ludu, mój ludu [People, my people]
  5. Witaj Pani, Matko Matki Jezusa Pana [Welcome Lady, Mother of the Mother of Lord Jesus]
  6. Zawitaj Pani świata [Hail, Lady of the world]
  7. Bądź pozdrowiony [Praise be to Thee]
  8. Jezu Chryste, Panie miły [Jesus Christ, good Lord]
  9. Dobranoc, Głowo święta [Good night, holy Head]
  10. O Matko miłościwa [O merciful Mother]
  11. Pozdrawiajmy wychwalajmy [Let us praise, let us hail]
  12. Święty, Święty, Święty [Holy, holy, holy]
  13. Tysiąc kroć bądź pozdrowiona [Be praised a thousand times] (not taken from Siedlecki)
  14. Krzyknijmy wszyscy [Let us shout together]
  15. Witaj, Jutrzenko [Hail, morning star] (incomplete)
  16. Wstał Pan Chrystus z martwych ninie [Lord Jesus is now risen from the dead]
  17. Sliczny Jezu, miły Panie [Beautiful Jesus, good Lord]
  18. Twoja cześć, chwała [Your glory and praise]
  19. Ojcze Boże wszechmogący [God the Father Almighty]
  20. Krzyżu Chrystusa [O cross of Christ]
  21. Ciebie wzywamy, Ciebie błagamy [We call on You, we beseech You] (unfinished)
texts and melodies: trad., from Jan Siedlecki, Śpiewnik kościelny
date/place of composition: May - June 1986, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: ? April 1987, Eucharistic Congress (Nos. 12, 18 only): Warsaw Music Academy Choir, Romuald Miazga - cond.
recording(s): (No. 12 only)

Dla ciebie, Anne-Lill [For you, Anne-Lill], op. 58 (1986) - flute, piano
duration: c. 12 min.
commission: Louise Lerche-Lerchenborg
date/place of composition: September - October 1986, Chochołów; revised May 1990
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 4 August 1990, Lerchenborg Music Days, Denmark: Anne-Lill Ree - flute, Ellen Refstrup - piano
recording(s):

Aria, 'scena operowa' ['operatic scene'], op. 59 (1987) - tuba, piano, tam-tam, bass drum
duration: c. 15 min.
date/place of composition: Easter Saturday, 18 April 1987, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 28 May 1987, Aspekte Salzburg Festival: Zdzisław Piernik - tuba, Andor Losonczy - piano, Rodolf Schingerlin - percussion


Totus Tuus, op. 60 (1987) - mixed choir
duration: c. 11 min.
dedication: 'To His Holiness Pope John Paul II on his third pilgrimage to his homeland'
date/place of composition: 3 May 1987, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 19 July 1987, Warsaw: Catholic Theological Academy Choir - Warsaw, Kazimierz Szymonik - cond.
recording(s):

Przybąadż Duchu Święty [Come Holy Spirit], op. 61 (1988) - mixed choir
text(s): 'Veni Sancte Spiritus' sequence
duration: c. 11 min.
date/place of composition: 29 March 1988, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 11 October 1993, Warsaw: Catholic Theological Academy Choir - Warsaw, Kazimierz Szymonik - cond.
recording(s):

'Już się zmierzcha', muzyka na kwartet smyczkowy ['Already it is Dusk', Music for String Quartet], String Quartet No. 1, op. 62 (1988) - string quartet
duration: c. 16 min.
commission: Doris and Myron Beigler and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, for the Kronos Quartet
dedication: 'To the Kronos Quartet as a token of appreciation'
date/place of composition: 20 October - 30 November 1988, Chochołów / Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 21 January 1989, Minneapolis: Kronos Quartet
recording(s):

Good Night, op. 63 (1990) - soprano, alto flute, 3 tam-tams, piano
  1. Lento (Adagio)-Tranquillo
  2. Lento tranquillissimo
  3. Lento-largo, dolcissimo-cantabilissimo
text (3rd mov't.): William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act V, Scene ii - 'Good night . . . flights of angels sing thee to thy rest'
duration: c. 30 min.
dedication: 'In memoriam Michael Vyner'
date/place of composition: 11 March - 1 June 1988, 10 - 19 February 1990, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 6 May 1990, London (3rd mov't.): Margaret Field - soprano, members of the London Sinfonietta
4 November 1990, London (complete): Nicole Tibbels - soprano, members of the London Sinfonietta
recording(s):

Quasi una fantasia, String Quartet No. 2, op. 64 (1991) - string quartet
  1. Largo, Sostenuto-mesto
  2. Deciso-energico, Marcatissimo sempre
  3. Arioso: Adagio cantabile, ma molto espressivo e molto appassionato
  4. Allegro, sempre con grande passione e molto marcato
duration: c. 38.5 - 39 min.
commission: Beigler Trust, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and the Kościuszko Foundation, for the Kronos Quartet
dedication: 'To the Kronos Quartet - David Harrington, John Sherba, Hank Dutt, Joan Jeanrenaud'
date/place of composition: 6 December 1990 (St. Nicholas's Day) - 19 March 1991 (St. Joseph's Day), Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 27 October 1991, Cleveland: Kronos Quartet
recording(s):

Concerto-Cantata, op. 65 (1992) - flute/alto flute, orchestra
  1. Recitativo
  2. Arioso
  3. Concertino
  4. Arioso e Corale
instrumentation: 4.4.4.4 - 6.4.3.1 - perc(3) - hp - str(16-18.14-16.12-14.10-12.8-10)
duration: c. 22 min.
commission: Frederick S. Upton Foundation, for Carol Wincenc
dedication: 'Carol Wincenc dedicato'
date/place of composition: 30 November 1991 - 12 January 1992, 28 July - 10 September 1992, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 28 November 1992, Amsterdam: Carol Wincenc - flute, Dutch Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Eri Klas - cond.


Kleines Requiem für eine Polka [Little Requiem for a Polka], op. 66 (1993) - piano, ensemble
  1. Tranquillo
  2. Allegro impetuoso-marcatissimo
  3. Allegro-deciso assai
  4. Largo
instrumentation: 1.1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0 - perc(1) - pf - 1.1.1.1.1
duration: c. 24 min.
commission: Holland Festival / Schönberg Ensemble
dedication: 'Schönberg Ensemble dedicato'
date/place of composition: May 1993, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 12 June 1993, Holland Festival, Amsterdam: Schönberg Ensemble, Reinbert de Leeuw - cond.
recording(s):

String Quartet No. 3, op. 67 (1993->) - string quartet
commission: for the Kronos Quartet
incomplete


Three Songs of Konopnicka, op. 68 (1954/95) - voice, piano
  1. Przez te łąki, przez te pola [Through these meadows, across these fields]
  2. Kiedy Polska [When Poland]
  3. U okienka, u mojego [By my Little Window]
text(s): Maria Konopnicka
date/place of composition: 1., 2. 1954; 3. April 1995 (Easter), Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished?
premiere: 28 May 1995, New York (together with Two Songs, 1954-55): Andrzej Bachleda - baritone, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - piano


Trzy fragmenty do słów Stanisława Wyspiańskiego [Three Fragments to Words by Stanisław Wyspiański], op. 69 (1996) - voice, piano
  1. Jakżeż ja się uspokoję [How on earth can I be at peace]
  2. Może z mętów się dobędzie człowieka [Perhaps from these dregs a man will emerge]
  3. Poezjo! - tyś to jest spolojną siestą [Poetry! - you are a calm siesta]
duration: c. 24 min.
commission: Wanda Warska
publisher(s): unpublished?
premiere: 23 February 1996, Zakopane: Wanda Warska - voice, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki - piano


Valentine Piece, op. 70 (1996) - flute, little bell
duration: c. 4.5 min.
commission: Carol Wincenc
date/place of composition: 1 February 1996, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
14 February 1996, New York: Carol Wincenc - flute


Clarinet Quintet, op. 71 (1996) - clarinet, string quartet


Sanctus Adalbertus, op. 72 (1997) - soloists, choir, orchestra


Kleine Phantasie, op. 73 (1997) - violin, piano
duration: c. 13.5 min.
commission: Foundation of Lower Saxony on the occasion of the 1997 Hannover International Violin Competition
dedication: 'Dem Internationalem Violin-Weltbewerb "Joseph Joachim" in Hannover gewidmet'
date/place of composition: 25 June 1997, Katowice
publisher(s): Boosey & Hawkes
premiere: 12 October 1997, Hannover: imposed piece for competition's semi-final round (12 performances)



Juvenalia (1954-55)

Legenda - orchestra

Five Mazurkas - piano

Preludium - violin, piano

Ten Preludes - piano

Terzetto quasi una fantasia - oboe, violin, piano

Romans - piano

String Quartet

Obrazki poetyckie - piano

Piano Concerto



Additional Works (unpublished)

Kopciuszek [Cinderella] (1957) - incidental music
text: Adolf Walewski
date/place of composition: March - April 1957, Katowice
premiere: 25 May 1957, Teatr Śląski, Katowice: Mieczysław Daszewski - director


Wieża samotności [Tower of Solitude] (1959) - incidental music
text: Robert Ardrey (1939, original title: Thunder Rock)
duration: 11 min.
premiere: 10 October 1959, Teatr Śląski, Katowice: Jerzy Jarocki - director


Akwarium [Aquarium] (1959) - incidental music
text: Andrzej Wydrzyński
duration: 16 min.
premiere: unperformed (production cancelled)


Papierowa laleczka [Paper Doll] (1960) - song
text: Arthur Miller, Widok z mostu [A View from the Bridge], 1955
premiere: 18 March 1960, Teatr Śląski, Katowice: Jerzy Jarocki - director


Chorał w formie kanonu [Chorale in the form of a Canon] (1961) - string quartet
duration: c. 3 min.
commission: Tadeusz Ochlewski
date/place of composition: 21 January 1961, Rydułtowy; revised 12 May 1984 (for the 80th birthday of Goffredo Petrassi)
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 7 February 1961, Warsaw: Ensemble Wywołanie


Wratislaviae gloria (1968) - fanfare for brass (4.4.4.1) and strings
duration: c. 2 min.
date/place of composition: 19 September 1968, Katowice?
publisher(s): unpublished?
premiere: 12 February 1969, Wrocław Festival of Polish Contemporary Music: Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrzej Markowski - cond.


Jędrek [Little Andy] (1969) - film score
director: Jadwiga Kękzierzawska
duration: c. 11 min.
premiere: not known


Dwa hejnały [Two Bugle-Calls] (1976) - winds
instrumentation: 8.0.0.0 - 8.11.6.2
duration: c. 1 min.
commission: World Ice Hockey Championships, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known


Intermezzo (1990) - piano
duration: c. 2.5 min.
commission: Louise Lerche-Lerchenborg
dedication: 'Andenken an Poul Rovsing Olsen'
date/place of composition: 23 April 1990, Katowice
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: 3 August 1990, Lerchenborg Music Days, Denmark: Rosalind Bevan - piano


Intermezzo (1997) - piano
duration: c. 2.5 min.
dedication: 'To Wanda and Stefan Wilk'
date/place of composition: October 1997, Los Angeles
publisher(s): unpublished
premiere: not known



Górecki: Discography Bibliography Title Page

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Copyright 1998-2003 by the Polish Music Center
Information compiled and edited by James Harley
Send your comments and inquiries to: polmusic@usc.edu
This page updated on 23 April 2003, by Michael Bedernik.