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‘Piosnka litewska’ transports us into a world of new expression. In Ludwik Osiński’s translation, we find one of the countless versions of the story of a lost garland. Polish folklore is familiar with this motif, and even with this song form: a dialogue between mother and daughter.

The Lithuanian version of the tale of a lost garland has a cheerful, even jocular character. Chopin made no attempt to stylise Lithuanian folk music, with which he was not familiar. His song displays an early Romantic character, though not too thickly applied. The composer follows the text – every gesture, every emotion. The song has a through-composed form, with the dialogue between mother and daughter rendered more dramatic, but slightly tongue in cheek. There is no lack of wit or gentle irony.

Author: Mieczysław Tomaszewski
[Cykl audycji "Fryderyka Chopina Dzieła Wszystkie"]
Polish Radio, program II

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