KRZYSZTOF PENDERECKI: I AM GLAD TO BE IN THE LAND OF MY ANCESTORS

Noyan Tapan
April 8, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. The famous Polish composer Krzysztof
Penderecki arrived in Yerevan on April 7. He told reporters that
he considers his first visit to Armenia as "return home", as his
grandmother was an Armenian emigrant from Isfahan.

"I am very grateful for the invitation to visit Armenia. I have been
waiting for this visit quite long – for 75 years since my birthday. I
tried to come to Armenia in the 1960s but I failed. Now I am very glad
to be in the land of my ancestors. This visit is a return home to me".

Penderecki has come to Armenia to participate in Week of Penderecki
orgaized within the framework of the international music festival
"Prospects of the 21st Century" held on April 7-12. During these
days the Armenian music lovers will have an exceptional opportunity
to listen to works of the Polish composer at the concerts conducted
by him. The living legend of classic art has brought famous musicians
from ten countries with him.

K. Penderecki said that he has had no occasion to mix with Armenian
composers, except for Aram Khachatrian, whom he received at his
home. "At that time I was a follower of the avant-garde movement, and
Khachatrian’s music seemed a kind of old and too classic to me. Later,
during my second meeting with him, I performed his Violin Concert in
Warsaw," Penderecki recalled (at first he was a violinist).

In response to the question of whether his Stabat Mater resembles
Armenian Liturgy, the composer replied: "Perhaps. When was a child,
grandmother used to take me to Armenian church, maybe there is a
resemblance, I cannot say".

Work is the real source of inspiration for the composer. "I wake up
very early in the morning and start my work. When I begin creating,
inspiration comes at that time. When it is groundless, everything is
fine. But sometimes the development is slow, it also happens".

"There are artists, for example, Shagal, who always create in the
same way.

Others, for example, Picasso, constantly change their directions. I
work like Picasso: by changing my forms and directions. Each artist has
his own labyrinth. The point is how to get out of one’s labyrinth. I
also get into such labyrinths but I alsways see ways to get out of
them," Penderecki said.

The world-famous composer and conductor of Armenian origin promised
to reporters that he will tell about his impressions and thoughts
about Armenia in a few years.