Julisz Zarebski

Characteristic Pieces

The notebook "Characteristic Pieces" presents Juliusz Zarębski (1854–1885) as a creator of great talent, searching for an individual musical language, but also perfectly sensitive to the listeners' expectations. It also shows the composer perfectly using various pianistic means, masterfully controlling the keyboard and - regardless of his musical kinship with Chopin - clearly drawing inspiration from the work of his master, Ferenc Liszt. Impromptu-Caprice op. 14 is an extended virtuoso improvisation, in which the impression of all-encompassing motor skills is interrupted only for a moment by the middle section with a singing theme in the left hand. Novelette-Caprice op. 19 is a miniature shimmering - as in a kaleidoscope - with musical ideas. Zarębski introduces elements of Polish folklore and juxtaposes them with thoroughly romantic motifs. Sérénade burlesque op. 20 is a perfect example of musical wit. Miniature Sérénade espagnole op. 26. Spanish inspirations add charm, although its attractiveness is more influenced by lively articulation. Berceuse op. 22, on the other hand, is a beautiful, intimate miniature. The harmonic side of the piece is extremely interesting, enriched with interesting pedaling. The gradual thickening of the texture leads to a dreamlike finale, from which a crystalline A major chord emerges at the end.