In the title of this lecture, there resonates a profound word, rich in meaning, worthy of reflection and weighed down by associations – the Polish equivalent of the Latin passio. It directs our thoughts toward the Stations of the Cross, toward Lenten devotions, and toward a vocal-instrumental musical genre. In it, suffering is not only narrated, but painted in and experienced through sound. I would therefore like to introduce you to the Passion genre, as well as to the outstanding work by Johann Sebastian Bach – St John Passion, which you will be able to hear at 7 p.m.

We will also look more deeply – toward the mysterious relationship between music and suffering. An artist may suffer – personally, just like the character of a song or opera whom he has called into being. One may suffer for art and because of art; one may use music to reflect one’s own pain, or even imagined pain – but also to soothe pain through music…
“Passion” also has its beautiful and bright side – it can mean fondness, an unrestrained inclination, or ardour. There can be Passion and passionate music. Like Beethoven’s Appassionata.

dr hab. Tomasz Kienik, prof. AMKL
Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław