Reflections of the Polish musical ethos in chamber-instrumental ensembles of K. Szymanowski

Abstract

The article examines the creative work of                     K. Szymanowski in the aspect of interpreting the national idea. The purpose of research is to highlight the author's reflections on the Polish musical ethos as an original variety of the concept of "musical nationalism" using the example of landmark chamber and instrumental works. The following methods were used to reveal the presented issues: source research (processing scientific works on related issues); biographical (study of life path); analytical and structural-logical (highlighting the specifics the composer's musical expression, explanation the ideological direction of creativity); method of theoretical generalization (summarizing). In the context of rapid geopolitical changes in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries there was a significant growth of artistic patriotic idea, which was based on а need for self-identity and an understanding of national uniqueness. Therefore, there came a significant rethinking of the role of artistic creativity, its possibilities in the sphere of social influence, and an awareness of the artist's mission in the formation of a consolidating society. The study reveals the figure of the outstanding Polish composer K. Szymanowski in the light of his own art and philosophical concept, aimed at a radical modernization of expressiveness while preserving and deepening the role of Polish national musical ethos. The article presents a clear chronological line of creative evolution from the influence of the Romantics, through the modernization of means of expression and the revolutionary idea of ​​​​renewing the national school in line with leading European trends, up to the study and own creative implementation of Gural folklore of Podhale, generating an author's example of musical nationalism in European professional musical culture of the early 20^th century.