Michal Spisak

Aubade

Spisak finished writing Aubade on March 27, 1942 during his stay in Voiron. In his letter to Tadeusz Kassern he wrote: 'Aubade' has completely different character than my other pieces. The emphasis is put on simplicity of form and limiting means of expression. The piece was first performed in 1946 in the United States. It is worth adding that the title-page of the autograph score says: 'for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and string orchestra', not 'for small orchestra', as the composer writes later in the record of his works. Indeed, the four wind instruments play an important role here. Their numerous solo parts and harmonies create the cheerful, at moments pastoral character of Aubade, often referred to as 'morning music'.