Łukaszewski M.T. , Action cembalo for harpsichord

Marcin Tadeusz Łukaszewski: Action Cembalo

Publication number: UMFC-236

Title: Action Cembalo

Instrumentation: solo harpsichord

Composer: Marcin Tadeusz Łukaszewski

Description: Action Cembalo is a work for solo harpsichord, written for the Wanda Landowska Composition Competition in Warsaw, where the composer received Second Prize. The work was inspired by the personality and achievements of Wanda Landowska, as well as by her fascinating recordings.

The composition consists of three contrasting sections performed attacca. The title may be understood as “action: harpsichord”, reflected in the dynamic musical narrative, strong contrasts and changing registers and articulation. Łukaszewski employs characteristic harpsichord techniques, including ornamentation, rapid figurations, bidirectional arpeggios and sharply articulated chords.

The outer sections are lively and also include contrapuntal passages, while the slower middle section emphasizes lyricism and cantabile expression. The work was primarily conceived for a modern two-manual harpsichord with pedals, but it may also be performed on a historical instrument.

The first performance of Action Cembalo took place in 2011 during a concert accompanying the competition, performed by Dr. hab. Alina Ratkowska.

About the composer: Marcin Tadeusz Łukaszewski, born in Częstochowa in 1972, is a composer, music theorist and educator. He graduated from the Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, studying piano with Professor Bronisława Kawalla. He also studied contemporary music performance, music theory and composition with Professor Marcin Borkowski.

He is the author of seven books, including A Guide to Piano Music, Variation Forms for Piano by Polish Composers 1900–2010 and How to Write a Diploma Thesis on Music?. He has received numerous composition prizes and distinctions, and his works have been performed throughout Europe as well as in Brazil, Israel and the United States.