Jagiellonian Triptych for string orchestra, 1966, 7'

The character of Jagiellonian Triptych draws on Andrzej Panufnik’s earlier works based on early Polish music. 

This short, 7-minute-long piece is written for string orchestra and consists of three movements: Preambulum, Cantio and Chorea polonica. Like in other works by Panufnik based on early Polish themes (Old Polish Suite, Concerto in modo antico, Quintetto academico), the quotations introduced here are combined with material of the composer’s own invention, making up one whole in the spirit and atmosphere of earlier periods. 

At the same time, the Jagiellonian Triptych is the last example of an archaising strand in Andrzej Panufnik’s oeuvre. In any case, the composer may have used early Polish music again only because of the special occasion – a concert organised to celebrate Poland’s Millennium at Notre Dame de France in London. The concert took place on 24 September 1966. Its programme was filled entirely with Andrzej Panufnik’s music, and it was accompanied by an exhibition of works by Andrzej Dzierżyński, a Polish painter and a friend of the composer’s living in London. 

Through his Jagiellonian Triptych, written especially for the occasion, the composer undoubtedly wanted to remind people of the role played in Poland’s history by the Jagiellonian dynasty – hence the title of the work. In addition to the Jagiellonian Triptych the programme of that concert featured Hommage à Chopin, Old Polish Suite, Divertimento and Landscape. All works were performed by the English Chamber Orchestra conducted by the composer.