We explore how Penderecki found a world stage as a commissioned composer for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. We hear about the struggles Penderecki encountered in finding the right musical language for the commission, chart the internationalism of his work, and explore his wider use of electronics in his music.

Further reading & listening:

• Krzysztof Penderecki // bio on Culture.pl
• Krzysztof Penderecki: An Album Guide for Beginners // article on Culture.pl
• The Musical Milestones of the Polish Radio Experimental Studio // article on Culture.pl
• Visit Penderecki's Garden, a digital garden in the composer's honour.

Many thanks to the Penderecki estate for granting us permission to use extended parts of his music. Some of the pieces heard in this episode can be listened to in full elsewhere on the Internet:

• Krzysztof Penderecki: Aulodia
• Krzysztof Penderecki: Ekecheiria
• Fryderyk Chopin: Mazurka
• John Williams: Olympic Fanfare
• Vangelis: Chariots of Fire

Hosted by Jack Pepper

Transcription WCAG

A Polish translation of the audio can be found here.