NEW MUSIC TUESDAY | Penderecki’s Violin Sonata No. 1 Transcribed for Cello and Piano

Cellist Zvi Plesser and pianist Bishara Harouny perform composer Marcin Zdunik's new arrangement from a virtual performance on November 28th, 2020

Krzysztof Penderecki, who is regarded as one of the greatest composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away in March of this year.

The arranger, Marcin Zdunik, talked with The Violin Channel in an exclusive interview:

"Every arrangement gives new life to a piece," said Zdunik. "Transcribing a composition to various instruments may show the original music in a different light and perhaps even change the main emotional message of a piece. Now, more than ever, the world of classical music needs constant reinterpretations of compositions we all know so well. A new arrangement is always good inspiration.

"Another reason for preparing the arrangement was my inner need to play this specific piece, no matter for what instrument it had been composed. My aim was not to imitate the violin on the cello, but to highlight parts of the sonata in a lower register. In some cases, I changed the original idea a little, like replacing trills on the tune in the 2nd movement with harmonics, but I tried to be as close as possible to the style of Penderecki’s music.

"Penderecki never composed a piece for cello and piano. I hope this arrangement will be included on recital programs by many performers, and that the listeners will have a chance to hear Penderecki’s music alongside other great cello sonatas.

ZVI PLESSER & BISHARA HAROUNY | MARCIN ZDUNIK | PENDERECKI SONATA NO. 1 FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO (ARRANGED FOR CELLO AND PIANO) | 2020