I grew up at the time of Social Realism in Poland, when everyone was supposed to be 'writing for the workers.' But… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
The 1960s were a time of cultural revolution in Poland. And I was a part of that revolution. For me, those years… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
The circumstances In which I grew up In Poland were not auspicious for humor. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
Poland is different from the other so-called socialist countries. We have a different background. Poland belongs to the West, not the East.… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
Poland is my home, my roots are here. There is nowhere I would rather live. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
I have found my perfect place on earth in Poland, in Luslawice, near Krakow. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
That is our dilemma in Poland. We don't like to be ruled by the East. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
I started to write religious music at a time when it was absolutely impossible. The first religious work I wrote was the 'Psalms of… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
I started with very tonal 19th-century music because I wanted to be a violinist as a child. So this was my first music, and… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
The communists saw what we did in the arts as the only product of socialism that was known in the West, so they tolerated… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
When the Second World War started, I was only five but I still remember... Being a witness... I wanted people to remember what happened… — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
I must never change my way - because of critics who may not like it - I preserve my language and my style. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
Chopin is a great composer who influenced many, many important composers. He was a great innovator, especially in harmony. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
At school, I wrote in the style of the Dutch composers. After I graduated, a new style set in. — Krzysztof Penderecki Copy Share Image
