Polonaise Oginsky: content, video, history, interesting facts, listen

Polonaise Oginsky "Farewell to the Motherland"

Do you know which work is the most famous and popular not only in Poland, but also in many other countries? Doubt can not be, of course, "Polonez Oginsky." This work is familiar to many more from school, because even in music schools, students often perform it.

History of creation

In this case, the very name of the work itself prompts the answer to the main question - who wrote the Oginsky polonaise? It was Michal Kleofas Oginski, born on September 25, 1765, not far from Warsaw. It is necessary to clarify about the name of the composer, because for the frequent of his surname they write with a soft sign, and the name indicates Michael. How correct? Michal is just the Polish form of Michael, but the surname Oginsky in Polish is correctly pronounced with a soft sign. That is why both uses of his name are not wrong. Works for piano dominate in the work of this composer, and a distinctive feature of many of them is the presence of national features and elements. In addition, many of his works are endowed with a special lyricism and grace, which distinguishes the style of Oginsky.

Oginsky composed his famous polonaise when he lived in Venice in 1794, where he was forced into hiding after the suppression of the Kosciusko uprising in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is noteworthy that the Polonaise in A minor No 13 has a name given to it by Oginsky himself “Farewell to the Motherland”.

Interesting Facts

• It is curious that the Polonaise itself originated in Poland in the 15th century, and at first it was considered only a wedding dance. Only later did he become a palace, with all its characteristic pomp.
• Michal Kleofas was an excellent composer, but also held a very prestigious position at the court, equal to the Minister of Finance.
• There is evidence that some of the composer’s works were enjoyed by Empress Catherine II, and this despite the fact that the relationship between the Russian Empire and Poland was not the best.
• Michal Kleofas was directly involved in the Kosciuszko uprising, and even equipped an entire detachment at his own expense.
• When the uprising was crushed, the composer had to flee to Italy, pretending to be a footman and using fake documents.
• Michal Kleofas Oginsky has another polonaise, which is called the "Partition of Poland". He composed it, impressed by the political events in the country.
• It is noteworthy that in the XIX century, they very often sounded at all balls and dinner parties of high society in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
• The first bars of the work can be heard in the Moscow metro, if you try to pass through the turnstiles without paying.
• Belarus considered the Polonez Oginsky for its national anthem, but rejected, considering it difficult enough for performance and perception.
• In the animated film about the cat Leopold, this work is listened to on the record of the main character.
• The artist I. Repin depicted Michal Kleofas in the painting Slavic Composers.
• Polish writer A. Lenkevich expressed an unusual version that the polonaise was actually created by the composer’s uncle, Michal Casimir Oginsky, who also took part in the rebellion. According to his version, he wrote this work in 1773 in Paris, but there is no reliable evidence for this. In addition, most researchers do not accept this version.
• In total, the composer owns about 40 works for piano, 25 of which are polonaises. In addition, he wrote chamber-vocal works, as well as an opera consisting of one act.
• In 1994 they issued a postage stamp dedicated to the composer.

Interpretation and modern processing

The author originally composed his work specifically for the clavichord, later rewriting it for the piano. It is believed that this option most accurately conveys the idea of ​​Oginsky and the whole palette of feelings, which is hidden behind the musical sounds.

Polonaise was extremely popular, which is why at the moment there are arrangements for various instruments, ensembles and even an orchestra. Many performers did not miss the opportunity to add Polonaise to their creative repertoire.

For example, the Chyurlionis Quartet performed the Oginsky Polonaise arranged for string quartet. Due to this, such a familiar work has played with new colors, becoming more gentle.

An unusual version presented to the public performers from New Zealand. The trio "Troika" significantly accelerated the pace of the piece, and their instruments (domra, guitar, double bass) in many ways brought the sound closer to Russian-folk music.

Oginsky's Polonaise can be heard even in the performance of the Exemplary Military Orchestra of the Guard of Honor conducted by A. Prikhodchenko. The familiar melody is already perceived completely differently. (Listen)

Thanks to the work of the conductor of the Bolshoi Theater Boris Khaikin, the public was able to hear this popular work in orchestral sound. (listen)

For lovers of vocal music, the Pesnyary ensemble prepared a special surprise by performing this work to the words of Vyacheslav Sharapov. (Listen)

Such a popular work is reflected in cinema. In 1971, Leo Golub made a film of the same name.

Content

Initially, polonaise is a solemn dance, which it would be more appropriate to call the procession. He is of Polish origin. Three-part size and a clear rhythm distinguish this dance from others.

From the very title of the work of Oginsky, it is already clear what it is. This farewell to the Motherland, which was so dear to the composer, it was not by chance that he sacrificed everything, taking part in the uprising, defending his country. A lyrical, beautiful melody at the same time conveys to the listeners sadness and at the same time majestic nostalgia. It is safe to say that this is a work about love. But she is different here, this is love for the Motherland. It is noteworthy that in this case, the separation was connected not only with the actual departure of Oginsky to another country, but also with the farewell of the country destroyed by the victors. A clear dance rhythm here is perfectly combined with smooth intonations, giving lyricism and even some melancholy.

Throughout the entire Polonaise, a single attitude is sustained, only at the end there appear brief solemn notes that express most likely the composer’s hope of returning to his native land.

Listening to this or that classical work, sometimes we do not even guess what feelings the composer felt when he was composing his next masterpiece. Only sounds will tell the right direction and lift the veil of secrecy. Incredible sadness, deep lyrics and light nostalgia ... but what do you feel after listening to "Polonez Oginsky"?