About Andrzej Krzanowski

The form of Programme V, called a meta-opera by the composer, is incredibly complex and layered. Twenty scenes, lasting about 95 minutes, without any specific action, defined characters or singing arias, introduce many elements that can build the dramaturgy of the show and its often unspoken message, the allusions of which are nevertheless clear to the audience. The verbal layer uses texts by Jacek Bierezin, Zbigniew Dolecki, Sławomir Mrożek and Mieczysław Stanclik. Some of them can be found in previous Programmes. These texts are recited by one or two male voices. The sung parts belong to the soprano (improvisational swing, scream) and the choir, as well as to the piece Salve Regina played from the recording – the composer added it after he finished writing Programme V, replacing the fragment of Karol Szymanowski’s Stabat Mater, introduced here earlier. The leaflets with a fragment of a poetic text important to Krzanowski, which are scattered during the performance, are a symbolic complement to the message. The musicians are spatially arranged – the orchestra on the stage, a set of non-stereotypical instruments (flexatons, ocarinas, whistles) in another part, and the choir moves around.

An integral element of Programme V is pantomime and choreographic scenes, suggestively presenting both universal and more personal content. The show begins with a stage movement against the backdrop of musical silence, which plays out simultaneously with the audience entering the hall and taking their seats. An important role is played by the presence of a mime – lost, lonely, and searching. And so the opera becomes, in a way, a choreographic poem with actors’ recitations, music, choir, and soprano, complemented by the play of lights, film projections, replayed, insistent one-second motifs known from previous Programmes, as well as sweets and scents distributed to the audience. Each part creates a story here and becomes its hero, creating a work that can be described as a meta-opera in its entirety. The score of Programme V was recorded very meticulously and in detail in every aspect.

The premiere of the full version of the work was preceded by the staging of Programme V under the name: performative installation, movement opera with video and voice elements. This performance took place based on the concept, choreography and direction of Kaja Kołodziejczyk on 1^st October 2016 in the Laboratory at the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in Warsaw during the International Body/Mind Festival. Various forms of visual and choreographic art were present in this show, and the musical layer was composed of earlier recordings of Andrzej Krzanowski’s works, which are also “components” of Programme V: Suites from Programme V, Salve Regina and Programme I, as well as the accompanying sounds of ocarinas, whistles and sirens.

The composer described Programme V as a meta-opera in which all the arts are combined in the style of Wagner’s total work (Gesamkunstwerk).

Recordings

• Blu-ray: Andrzej Krzanowski - Programme V / The Unfinished Journey, PWM 70032 / Anaklasis ANA 003 AV
  

Films

• Internet: Szymon Bywalec is inviting for the world premiere of the work
  

Scientific Works

• Przekraczanie granic gatunku i znaczeń: V Audycja Andrzeja Krzanowskiego jako fenomen; in: "Transgression in music"" - Magdalena Stochniol, The Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz (2022)

Concerts and Festivals Notes, Booklets

• Audycja - podróż w nieznane? - Andrzej Kosowski, booklet attached to the Blu-ray album, PWM Kraków (2019)