A Twentieth-century Romantic: Piotr Janowski (1951–2008)

Joanna MAKLAKIEWICZ

Abstract

The research goal of the article is to outline the artistic profile of Piotr Janowski, eminent contemporary Polish violinist, and scrutinize his reflections on the ways Henryk Wieniawski’s compositions may be performed. In the opinion of the critics, Janowski must be considered among the most renowned interpreters of Wieniawski’s musical output. He was the first Polish violinist to win the Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition. Three years later, he permanently left Poland for the United States of America. His long-term absence was the reason why he was for years erased from the history of the Polish art of violin-playing. The present paper can be counted among the current initiatives to restore the memory of the artist.

Performing romantic music based on a deep knowledge and artistic intuition is universal and approached in a similar way all over the world, regardless of the performer’s familiarity with the themes, melodies or folk elements which inspired a given composer. Piotr Janowski expounds his ideas regarding music and employs his insights in his unique interpretations of musical pieces.

Translated by Dorota Chabrajska