The compositional canon that was formed still in the 19th century has dominated our perception of music history, and thus we consider but a few dozen composers to be worth playing and returning to. Many equally noteworthy figures have appeared in the background of stories about geniuses. One of them is certainly Feliks Janiewicz. In the past, the alleged acquaintance of the Polish violin virtuoso and composer with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was often brought up. Today we know that Janiewicz’s legacy does not need to be supported by anecdotes, as will be proven by violinist Barłomiej Nizioł and Wrocław Baroque Orchestra led by Maestro Andrzej Kosendiak.

Feliks Janiewicz’s five violin concertos constitute the true core of his oeuvre. Although he was self-taught in the field of composition, he achieved a very high level of artistry in his works, in no way inferior to composers who received formal training. All of his violin concertos have a classical, three-movement structure. He wrote them with himself in mind as the soloist – it was in this role that he was known across Europe. Those describing his musical style praised Janiewicz’s expression and precision as much as his beautiful sound. It is no wonder that he was admired in Vienna, Florence, Rome, Paris, and finally in the United Kingdom, where he settled for the rest of his life.

The concert in Oleśnica will also feature music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The work we will hear is Serenade No. 13 in G major, better known as “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”. When it comes to the musical canon, this composition, created in unknown circumstances in 1787, belongs to its core. Filled with lightness and a cheerful mood, it has survived in an incomplete form – an entire movement is missing. It only gained popularity at the end of the 19th century. It was not originally performed under its popular title. It comes from Mozart’s own list of his compositions. The artist could not have been aware that a personal note left in the document would forever stick as its title, whose knowledge would be widespread on all continents and would go far beyond the circle of music lovers. For many, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” is the first encounter with classical works, the beginning of a big musical adventure.