Born in Dębica on 23 November 1933, Krzysztof Penderecki studied composition with Artur Malawski and Stanisław Wiechowicz at the State Higher School of Music in Kraków (1954-58). Earlier he took lessons from Franciszek Skołyszewski. In 1959 three of his works (Strophes, Emanations and Psalms of David) won him the top prizes at the Young Composers’ Competition of the Polish Composers’ Union. A year later, he captured the attention of Western critics with Anaklasis, performed at the Donaueschingen Festival. In many of his public statements Krzysztof Penderecki has stressed that the human voice is his favourite expressive device. His works for a wide range of vocal and vocal-instrumental forces provide listeners with convincing proof that this is indeed the case. The selection of choral pieces featured on this recording represents a highly interesting crosssection of Penderecki’s fascination with choral music, including both independent compositions and excerpts from large-scale works penned in various periods of his career, from his spectacular debut (Psalms of David) to the present (Missa brevis and Iz głubiny wozzwach k Tiebie, Gospodi / Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord).