Grove's dictionary of music and musicians

572 SONG
(Historical Songs with Music), and invited the
test-known musicians (men and women) of the
day to compose or arrange melodies for it.
This work, which included some of the oldest
hymns (amongst them the celebrated Boga
'
Eodzi9a'), war songs, and legends, stimulated the
patriotism of the Polish nation, and is cherished
by every class.
In most of the songs belonging to the early
part of the last century the national characteristics
are to be found ; and especially is this the
case with those of Ig. F. Dobrzynski, E. Jenicke,
W. Kazynski, Ig. Komorowski, M. Madeyski,
J. Nowakowski, A. Sowinski, C. J. Wielhorski,
K. Wyso9ki, and A. Zarzycki. But while these
composers are hardly known beyond their native
country, Chopin and Moniuszko have attained
a world-wide reputation. Though neither are
wholly Poles by birth, they have closely identified
themselves with the Polish national spirit.
Moniuszko was born in Lithuania, but this
country has long been connected with Poland.'
Both he and Chopin have drawn from the
beautiful Lithuanian folk-music, and especially
from the daijws,^ which, monotonous as they
are, yet possess a peculiar charm. ^ Moniuszko
borrowed many traditional tunes from other
Slavonic provinces, but all his songs, whether
original or borrowed, are delicate, fresh, and
varied, and through them all rings a strange
but attractive personal note. They are deservedly
loved ahd sung throughout Poland,
Galicia, and Lithuania. Chopin's songs would
take higher rank had they not been eclipsed
by his instrumental works. Though partly of
French extraction, the poetic, chivalrous, and
patriotic spirit of the true Pole permeated
Chopin's whole being. His seventeen songs,
op. 74, were written at different periods of his
life, and vary widely in character. The words
of most are by his friend S. Witwioki, others
are by A. Mickiewicz, Zaleski, and Krasinski.
Some of the songs may be traced to traditional
sources, so far as the melody goes,* but Chopin's
exquisitely refined harmony raises them to a
high artistic value. Three of the most beautiful
are the 'Lithuanian Song' (written in 1831),
the tender and sad Melodya '
'
(1847), and the
strange 'Dwojaki koniec' (Two corpse^), with
the simple chorale-like air. But those in the
mazurka form, sueh as ' Zyczenie ' ( ' Maiden's
Desire'), 1829 ; 'Moja Pieszezotka' ('My Joys'),
and 'Pierscieii' ('The Ring'), 1844, are more
widely known and sung.
Ig. Paderewski resembles Chopin in one respect
; he is national without being a slave to
> The Lithuanians are Baid to be of Sanaorit origin, and their
lan^Hge differs widely from that of other Slavonic nations.
2 A terra for secular songs in contradistinction to ge'itne, sacred
songs.
3 L. D. Khesa cqUected a large quantity of old Lithuanian songs,
and published them at Berlin in 1826, with remarks on their metre
and rhythm.
4 Karasowski states that many songs sung by the people in
Poland are attributed to Chopin, and chief among them one called
•The third of May,' Fr. Chopin, p. 162.
it, and yet on hearing his songs one feels that
no one but a Pole could have written them.
In some an undercurrent of sadness prevails,
veiled by a proud reserve, as for instance in op. 7.
Others are brilliant and effective, and the accompaniments
always developed and interesting.
BiBLlOGBAPHr
Oloff, E. Pottdwihc Uedergetchichte. Danzig, 1744. (Chiefly on
Sacred Songs.)
Fotockl, Tg. Laliith'aturE mus. polonaiK. 1818.
Sikorekl, J. Ruch Musyozny. 1857-62.
Sowinski, A. Lea Tjiiifteieng palonaU. Paris, 1857.
Chodzko, J. L. BIMoire popUlaire de la PoUiffne. Paris, 1864.
Gloger, Z. SUnirt noch da» polnUche Voile
Jai-zemakl. A. Mistotre de la Jtvtigve en Polcffne.
Collections
Fontana, J. * Polish National Melodies.* Clmppell, London, 1830.
Sowinski, J. '
Chants polonais uatlonaux.' Paris, 1832.
Konopka. J. ' Pleini ludu KrakowBklego.' Cracow, 1840.
Bhesa, ^. S. 'Dainos, Oder Lltthaunische VolksL' Berlin, 1843.
Mioduszewskl (Abb