Chopin Society of Atlanta

Review by Brian Mitchell

On March 3, 2007, Atlanta was treated to a unique and outstanding concert at Oglethorpe University given by vocalist Grazyna Auguscik and the Andrzej Jagodzinski Trio. In a concert filled with jazzed-up Chopin classics and Polish folk songs, the audience experienced a concert that was entirely new and original. When one hears of works by a classical master being transformed into jazz, the phrase “approach with trepidation” instantly comes to mind. However, knowing that the composer was Chopin—a composer and performer noted for his legendary improvisational powers--the idea of marrying it with jazz makes sense. The Chopin arrangements were inventive and delightful, and the smoky vocals of alto Grazyna Auguscik were heartfelt and communicative.

The concert featured Chopin piano classics such as the Preludes in E minor and C minor and the Nocturne in E-flat major alternating with Polish folk songs such as “Matulu moja” (“O, My Mother”), “Dancing All Around” and “Oberek.” The trio primarily performed the Chopin tunes with Auguscik joining them for the Polish folk songs. Her breathy, sultry delivery was perfect for songs such as the haunting “Matulu moja.” More upbeat songs such as “Dancing All Around” featured fine scat improvisations with snappy delivery. Between works Auguscik explained the lyrical content of the next folk song or told an anecdotal story to put the work in context. Her explanations of the songs and sense of humor enhanced the performance tremendously. The trio’s performance of the transformed Chopin compositions was tight and inventive. Jagodzinski and Cegielski typically took turns improvising on the different compositions with the occasional solo or fill by the drummer Bartkowski. It would have been nice to hear more intricate arrangements featuring independent contrapuntal lines between the piano and bass, but the tunes worked well over all.

The clear standout of the evening was the pianist Andrzej Jagodzinski. His highly original arrangements of Chopin’s piano works were fantastic and surprising. Typically, each work would start with jazz-infused piano riffs, which would then reveal familiar themes from the Chopin work from which it was derived. Jagodzinski's technique was flawless and the tone he conjured from the piano was warm and full, an absolute treat to listen to. His improvisations on the Chopin themes were layered and extensive. Listening to Jagodzinski perform throughout the evening, one felt as though he was listening to a musician that was quite possibly at the height of his powers.

The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by the full house audience, with the trio and vocalist Auguscik receiving a standing ovation and performing an encore. One can only hope that more original concerts such as this will grace the metro Atlanta area. ■

Brian Mitchell is an active composer/guitarist who has written music for film and concert stage. He has received commissions from The High Museum of Art in Atlanta and wrote the score for the Cine Award winning documentary More Than Words Can Say. He is currently on faculty as instructor of guitar at Georgia Perimeter College and the University of West Georgia. www.brian-mitchell-music.com.