Mi-Parti (Lutosławski)

Polish composer Witold Lutosławski wrote Mi-Parti in 1975-76. The name broadly means in two parts, and is in accordance with Lutosławski's preference for two-part structures during the 1960s to 1970s: a preparation part, and a main body with development and climax (this is most clearly demonstrated in his Symphony No. 2).

Analysis

The fifteen-minute piece starts off with ethereal, sliding string textures. A cantilena played by the bass clarinet slowly rises from the lowest registers. Other woodwind instruments soon join in, playing motives reminiscent of bird-song. An orchestral flourish, complete with brass, leads the music into the agitated second half (akin to a development section). The brass take on a more prominent role, and the previous ethereal textures are now replaced by rigorous rhythms in traditional notation. The music builds up to a powerful climax, incorporating Lutosławski's trademark semi-aleatoric techniques. The tension is subsequently released and the music reverts back to ethereal beauty: divided strings slowly climb up to the highest registers, and the piece ends with soft repercussions from celesta, harp, and timpani.

Instrumentation

• woodwind: 3 flutes (all doubling piccolo), 3 oboes, 3 clarinets (3rd doubling bass clarinet), 3 bassoons
• brass: 3 trumpets in C, 4 horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba
• percussion: bells, marimba, timpani, xylophone, glockenspiel, tam-tams, cymbals, vibraphone (without motor)
• celesta, harps, piano
• and strings (violins, violas, cellos and basses).

Recordings

Orchestra	Conductor	Record Company	Year of Recording	Format
Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra	Witold Lutosławski	EMI Classics	1976	CD
Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra	Antoni Wit	Naxos Records		CD
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra	Yan Pascal Tortelier	Chandos		CD
Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra	Antoni Wit	CD Accord		CD

References

• Lutosławski, Witold. Mi-Parti for Orchestra (score). London: Chester Music, 1976