The recordings on this album combine existential topics with reflection on the emotional expression of contemporary man. The premise behind the project Oczami duszy [Through the Eyes of the Soul] is to find similarities between the emotionality of a romantic poet and that of a contemporary man. It also provides an answer to the question of whether we are more alike or unlike in this respect. In Baczewski's compositions, each ballad by Mickiewicz is different, both formally and stylistically
The composer's vision is orientated by Magdalena Witczak's contemporised interpretation of Mickiewicz's texts and by the new titles with which she provided selected ballads. Inspiration from tango, folk music, musical as well as with ethnic, film, and opera can be found. The whole piece reveals numerous features typical of programme music.
Beniamin Baczewski grasped the subject in a modern manner, employing electronics and virtual instruments, combining various musical genres. The instrumentation of the ballads is based on an orchestral body: strings, wind instruments, and percussion. Significant roles are played by the harp, celesta, and ethnic instruments. The above is enriched with electronic sounds: pads, synthesizers, and textures.
Performers on this recording: Magdalena Witczak ? soprano, Beniamin Baczewski ? clarinet and saxophone (interchangeably), and Tomasz Jocz ? keyboard instruments (grand piano, upright piano, harpsichord, electric piano).
