The 1993 Laureates / Creative Arts and Moral Sciences Category / Music
image

Witold Lutoslawski

Poland / January 25, 1913-1994
Composer

A composer representing modern Europe. Through his major works such as Musique Funèbre and Second Symphony, his works have had a powerful effect on the postwar music world. A new method of atonality, the distinctive "music of aleatory" and development of contemporary forms of musical expression have made him a master of music in the 20th century.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
1913
Born in Warsaw, Poland
1937
Graduated from Warsaw Conservatory, Diplomas in piano and composition (piano under Jerzy Lefeld, composition under Witold Maliszewski)
1956-1958
Member, Programme Committee, Warsaw Autumn Festival
1959-1965
Member, Presidential Committee, International Society for Contemporary Music
1963-present
Started to be engaged in international music activities in foreign countries
1973-1979
Vice-President, Polish Composers' Union

AWARDS AND HONORS
1959,1973
Prizes, Polish, Composers' Union
1959,1964,1968
First Prizes, UNESCO Composers' Rostrum, Paris
1964
Koussevizk Award
1971
Ravel Prize
1973
Sibelius Prize
1985
Ferrer Salat Award of Queen Sophia of Spain
1992
The ISM Distinguished Musician of the Year

SELECRTED WORKS
1954
Concerto for orchestra
1958
Musique Funebre
1961
Jeux Venitiens for orchestra
1963
Trois Poemes d'Henri Michaux
1967
Second Symphony
1970
Concerto for cello and orchestra