Krzysztof Penderecki was a renowned Polish composer and conductor known for his innovative compositions.
His most famous work, "Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima," was composed for 52 string instruments and is celebrated for its unique sound techniques.
Penderecki had three children, including a daughter Beata and two children, Łukasz and Dominika, with his second wife Elżbieta.
Biography
Early Life
Krzysztof Eugeniusz Penderecki was born on November 23, 1933, in Dębica, Poland, to Zofia and Tadeusz Penderecki. His family had a rich cultural background, with his grandfather being a Ukrainian Greek Catholic and his maternal grandfather a talented painter. Growing up in a musical household, Penderecki was influenced by his father, a violinist, and began studying the violin himself after World War II. He graduated from the Academy of Music in Kraków in 1958, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Career
Penderecki's career took off in the late 1950s, with his works gaining international recognition. His piece "Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima," composed in 1960 for 52 string instruments, catapulted him to fame, showcasing his innovative use of extended instrumental techniques and tone clusters. Throughout his career, he composed five operas, eight symphonies, and numerous orchestral and chamber works, including the acclaimed "St Luke Passion" and "Polish Requiem." Penderecki's music often reflected his deep engagement with contemporary issues and his unique artistic vision.
Personal Life
Penderecki was married twice, first to pianist Barbara Penderecka, with whom he had a daughter, Beata, and later to Elżbieta Penderecka, with whom he had a son, Łukasz, and a daughter, Dominika. He was a passionate gardener, establishing a 16-hectare arboretum near his home in Lusławice. Penderecki passed away on March 29, 2020, in Kraków, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of music.
Legacy
Penderecki's influence extended beyond his compositions; he inspired musicians across genres, including Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. His works continue to be celebrated, and he was honored with numerous awards throughout his life, including the Grammy Trustees Award and the Order of the White Eagle. In 2021, a commemorative tree was planted in his honor in Bangkok, reflecting his love for nature and his lasting impact on contemporary music.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Musica da camera1994
- 1.Quartetto per archi no. 16:09
- 2.Quartetto per archi no. 27:18
- 3.Streichtrio13:35
- 4.Der unterbrochene Gedanke2:21
- 5.Sonate für Violine und Klavier: I. Allegro2:43
- 6.Sonate für Violine und Klavier: II. Andante2:45
- 7.Sonate für Violine und Klavier: III. Allegro vivace2:12
- 8.Miniatury (Drei Miniaturen für Violine und Klavier): No. 11:21
- 9.Miniatury (Drei Miniaturen für Violine und Klavier): No. 20:47
- 10.Miniatury (Drei Miniaturen für Violine und Klavier): No. 31:58
- 11.3 miniature per clarinetto e pianoforte: I. Allegro0:51
- 12.3 miniature per clarinetto e pianoforte: II. Andante cantabile1:54
- 13.3 miniature per clarinetto e pianoforte: III. Allegro ma non troppo1:18
- 14.Cadenza per viola sola6:53
- 15.Per Slava4:37
- 16.Capriccio per Siegfried Palm6:39
- 17.Prelude for Solo Clarinet in B-flat3:09
Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima / Canticum Canticorum Salomonis / De Natura Sonoris nos. 1 & 21994
- 1.Anaklasis6:04
- 2.Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima10:00
- 3.Fonogrammi6:45
- 4.De Natura Sonoris No. 17:19
- 5.Capriccio11:43
- 6.Canticum Canticorum Salomonis16:52
- 7.De Natura Sonoris No. 29:08
- 8.The Dream of Jacob7:31
Penderecki dirigiert Penderecki: 2. Sinfonie / Adagio (4. Sinfonie)1994
- 1.2. Sinfonie „Weinachtssinfonie“ für Orchester34:10
- 2.Adagio: 4. Sinfonie für großes orchester33:34
Carmina Burana1994
- 1.Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: O Fortuna2:27
- 2.Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: Fortune plango vulnera3:00
- 3.Carmina burana: Primo vere: Veris leta facies4:52
- 4.Carmina burana: Primo vere: Omnia Sol temperat2:16
- 5.Carmina burana: Primo vere: Ecce gratum2:45
- 6.Carmina burana: Uf dem anger: Tanz1:39
- 7.Carmina burana: Uf dem anger: Floret silva nobilis3:22
- 8.Carmina burana: Uf dem anger: Chramer, gip die varwe mir6:19
- 9.Carmina burana: Uf dem anger: Reie: Swaz hie gat umbe2:07
- 10.Carmina burana: Uf dem anger: Were diu alle min0:58
- 11.Carmina burana: In taberna: Estuans interius2:40
- 12.Carmina burana: In taberna: Olim lacus colueram3:36
- 13.Carmina burana: In taberna: Ego sum abbas1:35
- 14.Carmina burana: In taberna: In taberna quando sumus3:00
- 15.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Amor volat undique4:24
- 16.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Dies, nox er omnia2:11
- 17.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Stetit puella2:09
- 18.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Circa mea pectora1:50
- 19.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Si puer cum puellula1:02
- 20.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Veni, veni, venias1:00
- 21.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: In trutina mentis dubia2:27
- 22.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Tempus est iocundum2:20
- 23.Carmina burana: Cour d’amours: Dulcissime0:48
- 24.Carmina burana: Blanziflor et Helena: Ave formosissima2:22
- 25.Carmina Burana: Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: O Fortuna2:29
Concerto per violino ed orchestra / Concerto per violoncello ed orchestra no. 21993
- 1.Concerto per violino ed orchestra39:32
- 2.Concerto per violoncello ed orchestra no. 234:35
Britten: War Requiem / Penderecki: Threnos / Berg: Violin Concerto1993
- 1.War Requiem: I. Requiem aeternam - Requiem aeternam7:46
- 2.War Requiem: I. Requiem aeternam - What passing-bells, Tenor3:08
- 3.War Requiem: I. Requiem aeternam - Kyrie eleison, Chorus1:47
- 4.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Dies irae, dies illa, Chorus4:11
- 5.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Dugles sang, Baritone3:12
- 6.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Liber scriptus proferetur, Soprano, Chorus3:07
- 7.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Out there, Tenor, Baritone1:59
- 8.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Recordare Jesu pie, Chorus5:37
- 9.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - De slowly lifted up, Baritone1:43
- 10.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Dies irae, dies illa, Chorus, Soprano1:21
- 11.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Lacrimosa, Chorus6:52
- 12.War Requiem: II. Dies irae - Pie Jesu Domine, Chorus1:57
- 13.War Requiem: III. Offertorium - Domine Jesu Christe, Boy's Choir1:44
- 14.War Requiem: III. Offertorium - Sed signifer sanctus Michael, Chorus2:21
- 15.War Requiem: III. Offertorium - So Abraham rose, Baritone, Tenor4:45
- 16.War Requiem: III. Offertorium - Quam olim Abrahae promisisti, Chorus1:39
- 17.War Requiem: IV. Sanctus - Sanctus, Soprano, Chorus2:43
- 18.War Requiem: IV. Sanctus - Hosanna - Benedictus - Hosanna, Chorus, Soprano4:13
- 19.War Requiem: IV. Sanctus - After the blast, Baritone3:27
- 20.War Requiem: V. Agnus Dei - One ever hangs, Tenor, Chorus4:36
- 21.War Requiem: VI. Libera me - Livbra me, Chorus, Soprano7:26
- 22.War Requiem: VI. Libera me - It seemed, Tenor, Baritone8:29
- 23.War Requiem: VI. Libera me - Let us sleep now, Tenor, Baritone, Soprano, Boy's Choir, Chorus6:00
- 24.Threnos (Den Opfern von Hiroshima)8:32
- 25.Konzert für Violine und Orchester „Dem Angedenken eines Engels“: Andante - Allegretto10:59
- 26.Konzert für Violine und Orchester „Dem Angedenken eines Engels“: Allegro, Ma Sempre Rubato, Frei Wie Eine Kadenz - Adagio14:06
Lachrymae1993
- 1.Trauermusik9:11
- 2.Lachrymae, op. 48a15:50
- 3.Konzert für Viola und Kammerorchester24:59
Nono: Y su sangre ya viene cantando / Penderecki: Threnody for the victims of Hiroshima / Sonata for cello and orchestra / Bussoti: The Rara Requiem1991
- 1.Y su sangre ya viene cantando12:26
- 2.Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima8:54
- 3.Sonata for Cello and Orchestra13:04
- 4.The Rara Requiem44:13
St Luke Passion1990
- 1.St Luke Passion, Part I: O Crux35:04
- 2.St Luke Passion, Part II: In pulverem mortis26:58
- 3.St Luke Passion, Part II: Stabat Mater7:18
- 4.St Luke Passion, Part II: Erat autem fere6:58
St. Luke's Passion / Threnody / Polymorphy / String Quartet / Psalms of David / Dimensions of Time and Silence1989
- 1.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. O Crux, Ave1:40
- 2.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Et Egressus Ibat0:39
- 3.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Deus Meus1:59
- 4.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Domine, Quis Habitabit2:51
- 5.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Adhuc Eo Loquente10:39
- 6.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Jerusalem, Jerusalem2:09
- 7.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Ut Quid Domine1:31
- 8.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Comprehendentes Autem Eum3:11
- 9.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Judica Me, Deus2:07
- 10.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Et Viri, Qui Tenebant Illum1:19
- 11.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Jerusalem, Jerusalem4:13
- 12.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Misere Mei, Deus3:33
- 13.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars I. Et Surgens Omnis Multitudo1:43
- 14.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Et Bajulans Sibi Crucem5:49
- 15.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Ibi Crucifixerunt Eum2:13
- 16.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Crux Fidelis2:09
- 17.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Dividentes Vero Vestimenta5:30
- 18.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. In Pulverem Mortis7:39
- 19.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Et Stabat Populus Spectans3:40
- 20.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Unus Autem De His, Qui Pendebant, Latronibus1:10
- 21.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Stabant Autem Juxta Crucem3:11
- 22.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Stabat Mater Dolorosa4:30
- 23.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. Erat Autem Fere Hora Sexta1:05
- 24.Passio et mors Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Lucam: Pars II. In Te Domine, Speravi6:00
- 25.Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima9:08
- 26.Polymorphy9:14
- 27.String Quartet no. 16:54
- 28.Psalms to David10:11
- 29.Dimensions of Time and Silence13:12
Volume Five: Polskie Requiem/Polish Requiem; Dies Irae1989
- 1.Polish Requiem: Requiem aeteram3:56
- 2.Polish Requiem: Kyrie4:56
- 3.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae3:27
- 4.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae – Tuba mirum - Mors stupebit - Liber scriptus6:09
- 5.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae – Quid sum miser - Rex tremendae7:50
- 6.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae – Recordare, Jesu pie Święty Boże, Święty mocny11:09
- 7.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae – Ingemisco tanguam reus - Preces meae - Confutatis11:54
- 8.Polish Requiem: Dies Irae – Lacrimosa5:00
- 9.Polish Requiem: Agnus Dei8:25
- 10.Polish Requiem: Lux aeterna4:42
- 11.Polish Requiem: Libera me, Domine9:23
- 12.Polish Requiem: Finale. Libera animas11:34
- 13.Dies Irae: I. Lamentatio4:49
- 14.Dies Irae: II. Apocalypsis5:33
- 15.Dies Irae: III. Apotheosis14:02
Penderecki: Symphony no. 2 / Bruzdowicz: Double Bass Concerto / Violin Concerto1989
- 1.Symphony no. 2 “Christmas Symphony”: First Movement11:36
- 2.Symphony no. 2 “Christmas Symphony”: Second Movement18:35
- 3.Concerto for Double-Bass: Allegro molto ma con poesia8:27
- 4.Concerto for Double-Bass: Lento alla aria6:54
- 5.Concerto for Double-Bass: Allegro con moto3:58
- 6.Concerto for Violin16:54
Penderecki: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima / Viola Concerto / van de Vate: Chernobyl / Concerto no. 1 for Violin and Orchestra1988
Tracklist not collected yet.
Concerto n°2 pour violoncelle / Partita1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
Violin-Konzert1987
Tracklist not collected yet.
Psalmen Davids / Anaklasis / Sonate / Fluorescences / Stabat Mater1985
Tracklist not collected yet.
Te Deum / Lacrimosa1983
Tracklist not collected yet.
A Portrait1972
Tracklist not collected yet.
Jutrznia/Utrenja1972
Tracklist not collected yet.
Utrenja, the Entombment of Christ1972
Tracklist not collected yet.
Kosmogonia / Dimensions of Time and Silence / De natura sonoris II1971
Tracklist not collected yet.
New Swedish Instruments: Violino grande, Bolin Grand Piano1971
Tracklist not collected yet.
Williams: Sinfonietta for Wind Ensemble / Penderecki: Pittsburgh Overture / Mayuzumi: Music with Sculpture1970
Tracklist not collected yet.
Dies irae (Auschwitz Oratorio) / Polymorphia / De natura sonoris1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
The New Music1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Achievements
- Award
- Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres
- Award
- Order of the White Eagle (Third Polish Republic)
- Award
- Golden Medal for Merit to Culture
- Award
- Commander with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Award
- Polish Academy Award for Best Film Score
- Award
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Award
- Herder Prize
- Award
- Great Golden Medal of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
- Award
- Musikpreis der Stadt Duisburg
- Award
- Grammy Trustees Award
- Award
- Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts
- Award
- State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia
- Award
- Praemium Imperiale
- Award
- Order of the Three Stars, 3rd Class
- Award
- Order of the Badge of Honour
- Award
- Grawemeyer Awards
- Award
- Order of the Banner of Work
- Award
- Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 1st Class
- Award
- Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Award
- Order of Bernardo O'Higgins
- Award
- Officer of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
- Award
- Austrian Decoration for Science and Art
- Award
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit
- Award
- Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland
- Award
- Order of Cultural Merit
- Award
- Commander of the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Award
- Wihuri Sibelius Prize
- Award
- honorary citizen of Kraków
- Award
- Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition
- Award
- Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
- Award
- Order of the Three Stars
- Award
- Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas
- Award
- Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Award
- Paszport Polityki
- Award
- Work Flag Order, 1st class
- Award
- honorary doctor of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow
- Award
- Commander of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Award
- Order of Danica Hrvatska
- Award
- Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Award
- Romano Guardini award
- Award
- Order of the White Eagle
- Award
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Award
- Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria
- Award
- Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
- Award
- Princess of Asturias Awards
- Award
- honorary doctorate of the Bordeaux Montaigne University
- Award
- Honorary Member of the International Society for Contemporary Music
- Award
- Badge of Honor “Merits for Mazovia”
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Kryzystof Penderecki, Krzystof Penderecki, Kshishtov Penderezki, Penderecki
Krzysztof Eugeniusz Penderecki was a Polish composer and conductor. His best-known works include Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, Symphony No. 3, his St Luke Passion, Polish Requiem, Anaklasis and Utrenja. His oeuvre includes five operas, eight symphonies and other orchestral pieces, a variety of instrumental concertos, choral settings of mainly religious texts, as well as chamber and instrumental works.
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Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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