Ex Nihilo 2 (The Warsaw Session) is Out!
EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) 2: The Warsaw Session w/ Mateusz Kowalski, Ryszard Bałauszko (conductor) and The UMFC Guitar Orchestra is Out Now on All major platforms!
Solo Baritone in Half Nashville Tuning full Session on YouTube
Entire recording session of Carols (Reimagined) now on YouTube!
Carols (Reimagined) for Baritone Guitar
Five traditional polish carols newly arranged and re-harmonised has been recorded on baritone guitar in 'Half Nashville Tuning’ by Oliver Moore and Philip Woodfield
Pasieczny / Wezner Duo: Guitar & Piano
my 'EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) IV and 'LA CASE DONDE VIVE MIEDO, for Piano & Guitar w/ brilliant Bartłomiej Wezner has been premiered during The VI Festiwal Muzyka w Willi Blumwego, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Serenitatis
Serenitatis (for Piano solo)
From my earliest recollections, the cosmos has held an enduring fascination for me, particularly the American spaceflights of the Apollo program, culminating in the historic moon landing. In January ’23 I fulfilled my lifelong dream: visiting NASA’s Space Center in Houston.
One of the attractions at Space Center Houston is the Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility and Lunar Samples Vault. This facility hosts the largest display of Moon rocks on public view in the world. One of the incredible experiences is undoubtedly touching a fragment of the moon. Only eight lunar rocks are available for the general public to touch worldwide. The particular one I touched in Houston was brought back to Earth by the Apollo 17 crew in December 1972 and is 3.8 billion years old. Astronauts Schmitt and Cernan collected the sample in the Valley of Taurus-Littrow, located on the edge of the Sea of Serenity (Mare Serenitatis) in the upper right quadrant of the Moon as viewed from Earth.
A few months after returning to the UK, my friend Carl Petersson—an outstanding Swedish pianist currently living in Canada—reached out to me with a request to compose a solo piano piece for a rather unconventional album. The recording project would feature piano pieces inspired by the moon. My visit to Space Center Houston and the inspiration drawn from the place will be translated onto the musical score.
The primary inspiration shaping Serenitatis for me was the idea of depicting the moon’s gravity (1.62 m/s²) in a musical manner. I decided to create something resembling fluid or moving harmony (the vertical texture of the piece) and embellish it with a continuous rising and falling motion (the horizontal texture of the piece), often-in opposing directions.
The harmony of Serenitatis constantly migrates. Sometimes very imperceptibly (already in the theme presentation with half-tones), and sometimes very radically (the cascading opening arpeggios, arpeggio ranges closing the composition, and the transformation of the composition itself). To capture the atmosphere of the night, but above all the vast shades of grey, silver, and finally black (which the moon reminds me of), I decided to construct nearly 80% of Serenitatis’ harmony from pure minor chords that constantly clash and complement each other.
Serenitatis is also a distant reminiscence of the form of nocturne – music of the night. An echo of the typical theme texture (melody) that appears especially in the nocturnes of Frédéric Chopin. Hence, the main theme of Serenitatis has a very chromatic, fleeting, and lyrical character. The theme itself gravitationally changes—each successive presentation (increasingly fuller) drifts in half-tones.
Gravity is also reflected in the rhythm. Based on initial static triplets (the left-hand texture recurring as a 'nocturnal’ accompaniment in the left hand), the main theme and its development seem to continually appear in an open (rhythmically and harmonically), almost ethereal character.
Despite the nocturnal character of the theme itself, Serenitatis is a virtuosic, lively, and energetic piece. It starts from the highest register of the piano but also concludes with a tremendous ascent from the lowest to the highest possible piano notes.
I hope that Serenitatis will take you and future performers on a short journey to the moon. The piece was commissioned and is dedicated to Carl Petersson.
Marek Pasieczny
Leeds, UK, November, 2023
Solo in Versoix, Switzerland
Marek Pasieczny’s solo recital at the 14th Festival International de Guitare de Versoix, Switzerland.
Solo in Switzerland
Solo Recital during the 14th „Festival International de Guitare de Versoix”, Geneva, Switzerland.
The recital will take place on the 4th of November, at 8 pm in the hall Caves de Versoix.
’The Elements’ now on Spotify, iTunes and more!
and other platforms such iTunes, Dezeer, Bandcamp, Tidal, Amazon Music and many more
The Elements: Triple Concerto in 8K on YouTube!
◾ GENESIS This composition was commissioned by and dedicated to ACG (Austin Classical Guitar, for which I was appointed Artist in Residence for the year 2022-23. I was asked to create a piece that largely reflects the theme of ACG’s 2022-23 artistic year, which was 'HOME.’ I also knew that this composition had to be written for five separate groups of guitarists. Each group could independently prepare their assigned portion of the larger whole, but, more importantly, they were to perform that section and treat it as a finished and stand-alone piece.
These two factors (’HOME’ and the five independent guitar groups) directed my inspiration towards the philosophy of go-dai, which I had used previously when composing the 'Go-Dai Concerto’ for guitar and orchestra in 2012.
◾ 'GO-DAI’
The philosophy of Go-Dai is a Japanese concept of five elements known as godai, or the „five great”: air/wind (Japanese: 風, fū or kaze), fire (Japanese: 火, ka or hi), water (Japanese: 水, sui or mizu), earth (Japanese: 地, chi or tsuchi), and void/sky (Japanese: 空, kū or sora).
◾ 'HOME’
For me, „HOME” broadly refers to our planet as our shared home, regardless of where we live. Therefore, my initial intention was to reference weather conditions through the elements of the Go-Dai philosophy.
◾ ELEMENTS
The first step in the composition process was to develop the main themes for each of the five Go-Dai elements. Each of these themes, along with their harmonization, development, and adaptation to specific guitar groups, was shaped by the character of each element. This way, the music not only conveyed the essence of each element but also visually and suggestively impacted the listener. The choice of expressive techniques, compositional solutions, and structural elements such as meter, harmony, rhythm, tempo, and structure were closely tied to each of the five elements during the composition process.
◾ FORM / ORCHESTRATION
Despite there being five independent compositions (elements), I strongly wanted to avoid a suite-like form with clear and distinct parts. My goal was to integrate all five elements while maintaining their individualism, much like in nature. During the creation of THE ELEMENTS, I was given the choice to write a solo part for the guitar. This inspired me to consider additional solo parts on various instruments. First, I chose the cello as an instrument that blended well with the guitar’s sound. The second addition was a solo part for a percussionist who was to handle over twenty percussion instruments, which I felt naturally relates to the fundamental elements of nature.
The piece begins with abstract, low, and primal sounds symbolizing darkness. Within the structure of the triple concerto, THE ELEMENTS features three main solo cadenzas: solo (timpani), duet (guitar and cello), and trio – fugue (guitar, cello, and marimba). The entire composition is interspersed with abstract moments that serve as links between the various elements. These abstract segments contrast with meticulously developed motifs for each of the elements.
The composition concludes with a bright, cheerful finale, symbolizing transformation: from emptiness and darkness to brightness, fullness, and hope.
Marek Pasieczny (Leeds, UK 13 Oct. 2023)
Suite for Clarinet in B flat & Guitar
Brand new version of my SIX FOLK MELODIES : suite for Clarinet in B flat & Guitar, based on Polish folk melodies, has just been premiered by phenomenal duo: Vojin Kocic (guitar) & Matthias Müller (clarinet).
Premiere took place last Sunday during the 87th Musikwoche Braunwald in Braunwald, Switzerland.
New baritone guitar !
Fantastic acoustic – baritone guitar, a true work of art, one of a kind instrument made by one of the best guitar makers: Philip Woodfield and his son, Oliver.
Mistrz i Uczeń ’23 edition
Had pleasure of giving over 50 lessons during this year’s ’Master & Student’
23rd Summer Guitar Festival!
Very intensive week during this year’s Summer Guitar Festival in Krzyżowa.
Czech première of Ex Nihilo (Nihil Fit) II
Czech première of Ex Nihilo (Nihil Fit) II during the 35th of Guitar Festival Mikulov w/ Thomas Offermann, Pia Gazarek-Offermann and amazing guitarists from Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock, Germany
Guitar Festival Mikulov ’23 | master-classes
Five days of master-classes during the 35th edition of Guitar Festival Mikulov in Czech Republic.
Summer ’23
Please join me this summer! I’m going to give master-classes (guitar and composition) as well as perform during: 35th Guitar Festival Mikulov, 23rd Summer Guitar Festival and 15th Mistrz i Uczen (Master and Student) (Krzeszowice)
Solo Piano Music
Revised and completed version of (SZOPEN) RE:MEMBERING III for piano solo just flying to Canada to the brilliant Carl Petersson, to be among a few solo piano pieces he will soon record.
The Warsaw Session is OUT!
My newest recording: PASIECZNY / KOWALSKI: The WARSAW SESSION w/ Mateusz Kowalski is out now!
(szopen) re:membering II (for two guitars) – score available!
(szopen) re:membering II (for two guitars)
I. no:cturne
II. pre:lude
III. ma:zurka (obertas)
Edition Type: PDF (ready-to-print) full score + guitar parts & composer’s program notes | Publishers: SLE London Catalogue Number: SLE086 | Date Published: 09 June, 2023 | published in the UK
order your copy now contacting us directly via ✉️: slepayment@gmail.com
Dodecaphonic Prelude & Fugue III (for two guitars) now score available!
Dodecaphonic Prelude & Fugue III (for Two Guitars)
Edition Type: PDF (ready-to-print) full score + guitar parts & composer’s program notes | Publishers: SLE London Catalogue Number: SLE087 | Date Published: 10 June, 2023 | published in the UK
order your copy now contacting us directly via ✉️: slepayment@gmail.com
LE PARNASSE SILESIENNE for Solo 13-course Baroque Lute (world premiere recording)
My LE PARNASSE SILESIENNE – in Memory of Sylvius Leopold Weiss: suite of baroque dances for Solo 13-course Baroque Lute has been recently recorded by Polish lute player Anna Wiktoria Swoboda
Polish premiere of EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT)
Standing ovation after sold-out concert in Poland during the 39th edition of Music Festival ’Muzyczne Święta Kwitnących Azalii’ at Moszna Castle / w Mateusz Kowalski. The program included Polish premiere of EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) in original version for two guitars.
XXXIX Music Festival 'Muzyczne Święta Kwitnących Azalii’
Back in Poland to perform this Saturday (20th of May, 7pm) my music with Mateusz Kowalski during the 39th edition of Music Festival ’Muzyczne Święta Kwitnących Azalii’ at Moszna Zamek. tickets HERE
UMFC (Chopin University) recording session
What a pleasure to record my two new pieces for two guitars: SZOPEN (RE:MEMBERING) and DODECAPHONIC PRELUDE & FUGUE with such a fine musician and guitar virtuoso Mateusz Kowalski.
at the Uniwersytet Muzyczny Fryderyka Chopina / Warsaw Guitar Conference (pics & video footage by Mikołaj Szenfeld)
UMFC (Chopin University) masterclass
truly honoured being part of ’Reach the Stars’ program at Uniwersytet Muzyczny Fryderyka Chopina, during Ist Warsaw Guitar Conference
Warsaw Premieres at UMFC (Chopin University)
SZOPEN (RE:MEMBERING) and DODECAPHONIC PRELUDE & FUGUE for Two Guitars w/ Mateusz Kowalski has been premiered!
We also gave Polish première of my EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) joined by students of the UMFC conducted by Ryszard Bałauszko. All performed during 1st Warsaw Guitar Conference at Uniwersytet Muzyczny Fryderyka Chopina.
1st Warsaw Guitar Conference | UMFC
I’m looking forward to the 1st Warsaw Guitar Conference at the Uniwersytet Muzyczny Fryderyka Chopina, Warsaw.
Together with outstanding Mateusz Kowalski, we will premiere: (SZOPEN) RE:MEMBERING II and DODECAPHONIC PRELUDE AND FUGUE III, both brand new versions for two guitars.
We will also give Polish premiere of my EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) II for Two Guitars and Large Guitar Ensemble w/ the students of the Chopin University, conducted by Ryszard Bałauszko.
teaching | all additional info
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s premiere
THE ELEMENTS II: Triple Concerto – version for Two Guitars, Cello and Guitar Octet has been premiered!
w/ incredible: Gen Li (cello), Mark Ashford (guitar) and Guitar Octet (eight amazing RBC students) under conductor Mark Eden, at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Rozmowa dla Culture Avenue, Austin,TX
Zapis rozmowy, jaką miałem przyjemność odbyć z Joanną Sokolowską-Gwizdka – redaktorem naczelnym ’Culture Avenue’ (Austin, Texas)
Domeniconi / Pasieczny: Composer’s Project
I’ve been lucky over many years now, to make music with extraordinary people, however this is one of a kind, once in a lifetime project. This summer I’m going to compose and record music with living legend, composer I admire very much: Carlo DOMENICONI. I will compose together with Carlo large multi-movement piece for two guitars.
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
The very first rehearsal and masterclass at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Premiering THE ELEMENTS: Triple Concerto – version for Two Guitars, Cello and Guitar Octet with fantastic Gen Li (cello), Mark Ashford (guitar) and eight students under conductor Mark Eden.
Premiering on the 23rd of March at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Berlin premiere of EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) II
EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) II officially premiered! w/ Aniello Desiderio & Zoran Dukic (soloists), Thomas Offermann (conductor) and brilliant student’s ensemble from Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock during Berlin International Guitar Academy & Festival
XI Berlin International Guitar Academy & Festival
Giving master-classes, lecture and premier of EX NIHILO II during this year’s XI Berlin International Guitar Academy & Festival w/ Thomas Offermann, Edin Karamazov, Pavel Steidl, Zoran Dukic, Aniello Desiderio and more!
World premiere of The ELEMENTS and SUSURRUS VI
THE ELEMENTS: Triple Concerto for Guitar, Cello, Percussion and Guitar Orchestra and SUSURRUS VI for Guitar and Percussion has been premiered!
w/ Thomas Burritt (percussion), Bion Tsang (cello) and Joe Williams (conductor).
commissioned by Austin Classical Guitar, performed at the Aisd Performing Arts Center, Austin, TX (pictures by Jack Kloecker)
80 guitars + 21 percussion instruments and cello!
final rehearsals of THE ELEMENTS: Triple Concerto for Guitar, Cello, Percussion and Guitar Orchestra w/ amazing soloists: Thomas Burritt (percussion) Bion Tsang (cello), conducted by Joe Williams. Commissioned by Austin Classical Guitar, premieres: 18th of February at Aisd Performing Arts Center, Austin, TX
THE ELEMENTS – trio rehearsal
rehearsing Triple Concerto: THE ELEMENTS, for Guitar, Cello, Percussion and Guitar Orchestra w/ Thomas Burritt and Bion Tsang. Commissioned by Austin Classical Guitar, will be premiered this Saturday, 18th of February at AISD Performing Arts Center, Austin, TX
Recording Session with Thomas Burritt
What an incredible 6h long recording session! I’ve been blessed to record over 60 min of my music with phenomenal musician and wonderful person: Thomas Burritt. New album followed by full videos soon!
’SOLO’ now signed and out Worldwide!
Signed and ready to be posted worldwide! Would you like one? HERE you can get your copy today!
’SOLO’: VIDEOs & SCOREs
Thank you for purchasing my limited edition album ’SOLO’ (Contemporary Music for Solo Guitar)
YOU are one of only 200 people in the world who has it! Congratulations!
Following links below, you can now watch videos and purchase music scores from this very album 'SOLO’
ALL SCORES FROM ALBUM 'SOLO’ YOU CAN ORDER DIRECTLY VIA ✉️ slepayment@gmail.com
’SOLO’ (contemporary music for solo guitar)
New album ’SOLO’ (Contemporary Music for Solo Guitar) will be out on the 1st of February! Only 200 physical copies will ever be released. All signed.
You can order your copy now contacting us directly via ✉️ slepayment@gmail.com
Track List:
01. FOR PAT (to Pat Metheny) [4:41]
SEVEN JAZZ PIECES [13:21]
02. I. African Sketch
03. II. (The Other) Milonga
04. III. For Sylvia (Jazz Vals)
05. IV. Tom’s Blues
06. V. (Afro) Samba
07. VI. Lyle’s Maze
08. VII. Until Then (Jazz Ballad)
BOOK OF VARIATIONS [14:21]
09. I. Polish Variations (Classical)
10. II. Polish Variations (Impressionistic)
11. III. Taiwanese Variations
12. IV. Japanese Variations
from TRAVELS [5:25]
13. Pōkarekare Ana (The Waves Are Breaking)
14. Thula Baba Thula Sana (original soundtrack from the movie ’The Wound Is Where The light Enters’)
LITTLE SONATA [6:07]
15. I. Moderto Galante
16. II. Lento Religioso
17. III. Arpeggiato Largamente
18. IV. Allegro Vigoroso
19. UNTITLED (Black & Blood Orange) [3:59]
20. DESEJO (to Odair Assad) [2:32]
FINIS AUTEM PRINCIPIUM EST (Epitaph on John Tavener) [6:29]
21. I. Itiner
22. II. Lucis Fluctus
SCINTILLA (after Arvo Pärt) [5:54]
23. I. Part One
24. II. Part Two: Psalm
25. III. Part Three
(SZOPEN) RE:MEMBERING [6:45] 1st Prize at The II International Guitar Composition Competition, Seixal, Portugal (2022)
26. I. no:cturne
27. II. pre:lude
28. III. ma:zurka (obertas)
29. SPIFFY (bonus track) [3:00]
30. LE-GO! (for microtonal guitar) (bonus track) [1:18] 1st Prize at The IV International Microtonal Guitar Competition, Istanbul, Turkey (2020)
Total Time [74:53]
All tracks composed and performed by MAREK PASIECZNY
Ex Nihilo (Nihil Fit) 2 out today!
EX NIHILO (NIHIL FIT) 2: for Two Soloists and Large Guitar Ensemble (extended version) now on all major platforms!
w/ Pia Gazarek Offermann, Thomas Offermann and 15 amazing guitarists in Rostock, Germany // sound engineer Carsten Storm / editor: Shushan Ghazaryan
(szopen) re:membering (video premiere)
London recording session: premiere video of (szopen) re:membering
(szopen) re:membering | score available!
I. no:cturne
II. pre:lude
III. ma:zurka (obertas)
Edition Type: paper-book, full score: solo guitar & composer’s program notes (12 pages) | Publishers: SLE London Catalogue Number: SLE081 | Date Published: 20 December 2022 | printed in the UK
order your copy now contacting us directly via ✉️: slepayment@gmail.com
1st prize at the 2nd Portugal International Guitar Composition Competition / Seixal, September, 2022 with Maestro Leo Brouwer as chairman of the jury.
SOLO & DUO in Austin, TX
Performed three full SOLO & DUO (as a part of my Austin Classical Guitar residency) concerts this weekend with the brilliant Bion Tsang on cello. We had standing ovation, amazing audiences and lots of fun!
master-classes at The University of Texas
Masterclass at the The University of Texas at Austin (guitar class by Professor Adam Holzman) organised by Austin Classical Guitar