05: VARIATIONS AND INTERLUDES ON AN OLD POLISH CAROL

(Walter Mony, violin / Timothy Ehlen, piano) • The thematic core of this piece is the renowned Polish carol Lulajze Jezuniu (Sleep Little Jesus), a gentle pulsating lullaby. The 17-measure tune makes three appearances. The two instruments share and switch the variety of the roles of contrasting registers, interweaving commentary, delicate plucked accompaniment, or the distant subdued reminiscence of the lullaby. The three interludes which follow are based on monophonic folk material from the mountain region of Silesia in Southern Poland. These range through a multiplicity of meters — at once gracious and florid — and then close in an ebullient joyous dance.

Advertisement