This new CD presents selected songs of Stanisław Moniuszko, performed by Zbigniew Stępniak (bass) and Krzysztof Kiercul (piano).

The fact that music has communicative power has been used for a long time by its creators and performers. It has also often been used to emotionally move the listeners, to convey to them the values supporting the attitudes promoted in society: nobility of feelings, sensitivity to beauty or love of such values as the homeland. This recording fits into this trend, and the creators of the CD return to the concept of supporting music – uplifting, warming the heart.

This was exactly the idea that accompanied Stanisław Moniuszko (1819–1872), an outstanding Polish composer active in the 19th century, while he was creating his works. He is known mainly for his vocal output – his Songbooks for Home Use were developed with home, amateur music making in mind. They also allowed communication through the Polish language, at a time when Poland was not on the map of Europe.

Moniuszko's operas are probably even more recognizable, including The Haunted Manor, an aria from which we will hear on this album. His oeuvre had an integrating effect on Polish society, speaking not only with a rich language of symbols, but above all with beautiful, original melodies.