Zbigniew Preisner

Requiem for my friend written in dedication to film director Krzysztof Kieslowski (who passed away in March 1996) is in two parts. The first part - Requiem - consists of nine movements scored for soprano organ two countertenors tenor bass string quintet and percussion. It was recorded in Warsaw Cathedral and the Emaus Church in Krakow. The second part - Life - is also made of nine movements and is scored for soprano voice countertenor recorder alto saxophone piano sixty-piece orchestra and forty-piece choir.

Composer's NoteOnce we had a joint conception to create a concert telling a life story. The premiere was planned to take place on the Acropolis in Athens. It was intended to be a large event a hybrid of a mystery playand an opera. Krzysztof Kieslowski would be the director Krzysztof Piesiewicz was responsible for the script and I was planning to compose the music. We thought it might be the first of a series of musical performances to bedeveloped in various interesting places around the world in the next few years. But it was life that authored a different ending: Krzysztof Kieslowski died in March of 1996.The first part of Requiem for My Friend is meant as afarewell to Krzysztof Kieslowski. I dedicate this music to him. Zbigniew Preisner