Elzbieta Szmytka & Levente Kende

Chopin’s name is indissociable from the virtuoso literature for piano which he composed. However, he also wrote melodies often inspired by the popular poetry of his compatriot Stefan Witwicki. In his melodies, Chopin opted for a simple musical language, interspersed with Polish dances. Szymanowski’s melodies are clearly rooted in 19th century tradition, but are also influenced by the exoticism and orientalism which were so characteristic of the European art scene at the turn of the century. His melodies based on Polish texts are little gems of refinement, interspersed with unexpected rhythmic and harmonic changes. The art of Polish melody will also be highlighted via the neo-romantic musical language of Mieczysław Karłowicz. Elżbieta Szmytka and Levente Kende – who have performed on stage at La Monnaie in the past – have more than deserved their international success.