Marcin Kuźniar records Chopin, Paganini, Ligeti and more at GSI!

Marcin Kuźniar visited GSI and recorded five videos. Marcin was born in Krakow, Poland, in 1992. He started studying the guitar at the age of six with Adam Makowski and later, with Wlodzimierz Lerner. During his university years, he worked with Alina Gruszka, Marcin Dylla and Paolo Pegoraro. By 25, he had won prizes in about 40 guitar competitions. He has a strong interest in performing the works of contemporary composers not often heard in guitar recitals, such as Tristram Cary and Tristan Murail. In 2020 he also began to make guitar arrangements of music by Polish composers Penderecki, Weinberg, Szymanowski and Lutoslawski.

During his video shoot at GSI, Marcin performed Francisco Tarrega's arrangement of "Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2" by Frédéric Chopin. Tárrega's deep understanding of both Chopin's music and the guitar allowed him to craft arrangements that respect the original compositions while exploring the guitar’s unique voice. His work bridges the worlds of Romantic piano and classical guitar, offering performers and listeners a fresh perspective on Chopin's artistry. Marcin recorded this piece on a 2021 Stefan Nitschke "Hauser" classical guitar made with spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides.

Marcin also recorded Niccolo Paganini's "Caprice No. 24, op.1" arranged for guitar by Eliot Fisk. Paganini's "Caprice No. 24" is a masterpiece that combines sheer technical brilliance with melodic inventiveness. It not only pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on the violin (or guitar) but also created a timeless piece of art that continues to challenge and inspire musicians and audiences alike. Marcin recorded this piece on a 1992 Ober/Blochinger classical guitar made with spruce top and CSA rosewood back and sides

Another arrangement he recorded was Kostas Tosidis' of "Sonata For Cello Solo" by György Ligeti. Ligeti's "Sonata for Solo Cello" is a cornerstone of the contemporary cello repertoire, showcasing both technical virtuosity and profound emotional depth. Composed between 1948 and 1953, this early work reflects Ligeti's ability to merge traditional forms with innovative modernist ideas. Marcin recorded this piece on a 2023 Ariel Ameijenda "Confessional" classical guitar made with alerce soundboard and CSA rosewood back and sides.

"Polish Caprice" by Grażyna Bacewicz is a short yet expressive piece. Grażyna Bacewicz (1909–1969) was a Polish violinist and composer, regarded as one of the most important Polish composers of the 20th century. Her dual expertise as a performer and composer is evident in her works for strings, which often explore technical challenges while maintaining musical integrity. Marcin recorded this piece on a 2021 Henner Hagenlocher classical guitar made with cedar top and CSA rosewood back and sides. 

Finally Marcin Kuźniar recorded "Allegro" from "Sonata" by F. Werthmüller ed. Hoppstock. Franz Werthmüller (1769–1841) is a mysterious composer, known primarily through a manuscript containing his "Sonata in A Major, Op. 17", and a few smaller pieces. The "Allegro" is the first movement of this sonata, showcasing classical elegance and technical demands suitable for the guitar. Marcin recorded this piece on a 2024 Mark Usherovich "Romantic" guitar made with spruce top and maple back and sides.