Gindry

Alexander Wat’s poem “Mopsożelazny piecyk” is a surrealist work that captures a unique blend of absurdity and depth. Written by one of Poland’s most distinguished poets and thinkers, the piece draws on Wat’s personal and cultural disillusionment with both political and philosophical ideologies, as well as the traumatic experiences he faced, especially during World War II.

The title, “Mopsożelazny piecyk” (roughly translating to “The Pug-Iron Stove”), suggests an inanimate object imbued with an odd vitality and humor. The ‘stove,’ seemingly mundane and utilitarian, symbolizes a complex meeting point between warmth and confinement, reflecting themes of existential constraint that Wat explored in his life and work. The whimsical nature of the title reflects Wat’s play with language and the absurd, hinting at the poem’s surrealist inspiration and deep psychological insight.

Through unexpected imagery and dark humor, Wat explores the themes of alienation, identity, and the often paradoxical nature of human existence. 

Głowicka’s score is crafted to reflect the unique spirit of “Mopsożelazny piecyk” through a richly symbolic, onomatopoeic soundscape. Using extended techniques for both baritone and orchestra, Głowicka transforms the poem’s imagery into a hauntingly tactile auditory journey. 

In this piece, the baritone’s voice is pushed to its limits, exploring a spectrum of tones that range from guttural whispers to visceral cries, mirroring the absurd yet profound nuances of Wat’s verses. Meanwhile, the orchestra surrounds the baritone with layers of sound that invoke a sense of warmth, confinement, and the interplay between the grotesque and sublime. 

Premiered: Adam Didur Festival, 15.10.1999