Enigmatic, devotional, restless … a guide to Krzysztof Penderecki's music
From Kubrick to Aphex Twin, Lynch to Radiohead, the Polish composer’s otherworldly sounds have inspired musicians and soundtracked some of cinema’s most haunting moments
Krzysztof Penderecki obituary
Polish composer and conductor who was a leading figure in contemporary music
Influential composer Krzysztof Penderecki dies aged 86
Polish musician won numerous awards, scored The Exorcist, and was admired by rock stars
October 2019
'Mozart would have made video game music': composer Eímear Noone on a winning art form
The Irish composer and conductor – who’s worked with film director Gus Van Sant and on World of Warcraft – talks passionately about making game music
October 2017
Penderecki Conducts Penderecki Vol 2 CD review – uplifting choral works
Warsaw Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra/ Penderecki (Warner Classics)
December 2016
Belcea Quartet review – perfunctory Penderecki and poised Schubert
The Belceas gave the premiere of Penderecki’s brief neo-Romantic Fourth String Quartet, and in two Schubert quartets, blended technical refinement with emotional extremes
October 2015
LPO/Penderecki review – time hasn't blunted the impact of Penderecki's Threnody
This fine concert featured Krzysztof Penderecki’s own compositions – with Radovan Vlatkovic the impressive soloist in the Horn Concerto – alongside Shostakovich’s Sixth
June 2015
RNCM Symphony Orchestra/Penderecki review – a biblical maelstrom
With the charisma of an Old Testament prophet, the composer brought a spiritual intensity to the first UK performance of his Seventh Symphony
May 2015
Penderecki: Magnificat CD review - a peculiar and gripping mix played at full throttle
The choir feels a little unfocused in this recording of Penderecki’s sacred works
March 2012
AUKSO Chamber Orchestra/Penderecki/Mos – review
Krzysztof Penderecki/ Jonny Greenwood: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima; Popcorn Superhet Receiver; Polymorphia; 48 Responses to Polymorphia – review
February 2012
When Poles collide: Jonny Greenwood's collaboration with Krzysztof Penderecki
Penderecki: Sinfoniettas; Oboe Capriccio; Three Pieces in the Old Style; Serenade; Intermezzo – review
January 2012
Jonny Greenwood reveals details of Krzysztof Penderecki collaboration
Radiohead guitarist teams up with Polish composer on forthcoming album
November 2011
David Lynch's film and music
Krzysztof Penderecki: horror film directors' favourite composer
Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki’s wild, terrifying, and imaginative music has soundtracked horror classics from The Shining to The Exorcist. Tom Service explains why
February 2008
Penderecki: Symphony No 8; Dies Irae; Aus den Psalmen Davids, Raune/ Rehlis/ Drabowicz/ Warsaw National Philharmonic Orch and Chorus/ Wit
