The recording, by Poland’s Poznań Philharmonic Orchestra, the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic Choir and a group of soloists conducted by Łukasz Borowicz, has been released by the Warsaw-based DUX label.
The CD offers insights into a lesser known aspect of the musical output of Moniuszko, who is appreciated primarily for his operas, notably Halka and The Haunted Manor.
The cantatas—Nijoła and Milda—are inspired by themes from the Lithuanian national epic poem Witolorauda.
In its review of the CD, Gramophone magazine wrote: “The music is extremely powerful: Moniuszko was not only a master of the orchestra – the way the piano is incorporated into the orchestra in Nijoła for example, is original and quite remarkable – but a fine melodist …
"This means that he is able to bring the remoteness of Lithuanian legends vividly to life: there is an urgency to his writing, and a sureness of pacing, throughout these two works.
“And the performances are wonderful – soprano Wioletta Chodowicz in particular, the eponymous lead in both works, has a fabulous richness of timbre combined with great agility, but all the soloists are outstanding.
“The orchestra is fleet of foot and richly sonorous, and the recording excellent. Moniuszko is long overdue for wider recognition.”
Last year marked the bicentenary of Moniuszko’s birth.
(mk/gs)