Tributes pour in for Krzysztof Penderecki

Conductor Kent Nagano:  The passing of Krzysztof Penderecki is a deeply moving loss for all who love music and life and he will universally be mourned. An entire generation grew up with his music and his works provided vital important musical and social impulses, especially during the mid 1960-70’s as composer, performer, professor and humanist his creative vision remained an essential part of the musical landscape until his untimely passing. 

Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter: The premiere of his “Recordare” in September 1984 in Stuttgart was a life changing experience for me. A new era began. His violin concert “Metamorphosis“ became my life line during the terminal illness and death of my husband in 1995.

I had the great fortune to premiere many of his works in the last 25 years. Every piece he wrote for me since has challenged and moved me deeply. His earth shattering musical language, his mastery of form filled with his deep soul shining through every note of his compositions makes his oeuvre a present to the world.

And getting to know this wonderful man who passionately collected and cultivated trees will forever remain my life’s treasure.

“The Polish Requiem“, “Lukas Passion“, “7 Gates of Jerusalem“ and “Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima“ – to name a few – are monumental memorials to mankind. Let us honour his genius by keeping him alive for eternity in our hearts and concert halls.

Pianist Rostislav Krimer: I can not describe how sad it is and how irraplaceble is this wonderful, wise person and enormous composer. I am so so greatful to play together, to speak together, to have Maestro in Belarus twice so Minsk could hear his music and see him as well as our students to meet him. We planned his visit again and had wondeful plans ahead.

I was blessed to play his piano concerto number of times and work with Maestro on it. I remember every moment, every second which will stay with me for all times. I will always remember a God-service in the church in Warsaw on his 85th Jubileum, where I was blessed to be. It will stay forever as a goodbye memory. Thank you dear Krzysztof for everything, for blessing us with your life and music.

Record producer David Starobin: The death today of Krzysztof Penderecki brings back memories of my high school years, and the powerful impact such pieces as his “Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima” and his “St. Luke Passion” made on me and so many others. The encounter with his music shaped a generation of younger composers.