Ave Maria - Paweł Łukaszewski (b. 1968)
Polish composer Paweł Łukaszewski is not necessarily a 'household' name. Born in Częstochowa, in southern Poland in 1968, the son of composer, Wojciech Łukaszewski (1936–1978), Paweł Łukaszewski studied cello and composition at the Frédéric Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw, where since 1996 he himself has taught composition. He is also active as a conductor, especially of choral music.
Łukaszewski’s music has been compared to that of Górecki, Pärt and Tavener. One listen would immediately confirm that there are definite similarities, particularly in the way he deals with harmony and structure, although it could be argued that the way in which he varies his approach to harmony is richer and more diverse than that of these other composers.
This setting of the Ave Maria is scored for unaccompanied double choir (SSAATTBB). Almost the entire piece is derived exclusively from the notes of the G Major scale. It is only later in the work that Łukaszewski introduces the F natural (the lowered seventh of the G Major scale) ushering in a slight uncertainty before the work resolves on the consonant tonic chord. A simple melodic phrase, sung by the altos, drives the work forward and the composer relies on the repetition of this simple phrase throughout. The contrasting middle section is darker and utilizes a less 'stable' rhythmic pattern, culminating in a climactic crescendo before returning to the mellower, devotional opening material.
