The Singing Reed: Bartosz Krzyśka’s Journey Through Romantic Expression at the World Classical Music Awards
- WOMCO
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Bartosz Krzyśka, bassoonist from Poznań, was awarded the Platinum Prize and Unique Interpretation Special Award in the Romantic category at the World Classical Music Awards 2025 Season 3 for his performance of Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda’s Variations and Rondo in B major. The competition took place from 21 May 2025 to 21 August 2025, with results announced on 11 September.
Could you share the background of your music performance Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda - Variations and Rondo in B major? When and where did you record it, and what led you to choose this piece for your performance?
Bartosz Krzyśka:
"I recorded Variations and Rondo in B♭ major, Op. 57 by Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda in the beautiful concert hall of Aula Nova at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań. I chose this piece because I have long been interested in discovering rarely performed repertoire for the bassoon. Variations and Rondo by Kalliwoda is exactly such a work. Kalliwoda was a Czech Romantic composer, closely connected for many years with the court in Donaueschingen. In his music, he often included Czech folk elements as well as brilliant virtuosic passages for the performer. Nowadays, his works are not performed very often. What fascinated me in Variations and Rondo is the richness of moods – from lyrical variations to a sparkling rondo – which gives the performer the opportunity to show the bassoon in all its diversity: as a singing, playful, and virtuosic instrument. For me, it was not only an interesting artistic challenge but also a chance to present the full sound of my instrument."
Could you walk us through your approach to preparing and interpreting your award-winning video performance for the online music competition? What were some of the artistic or technical considerations that shaped the final result, and are there any tips or points you think are important when submitting a performance video?
Bartosz Krzyśka:
"While preparing my recording for the online competition, I tried to find a balance between faithfully conveying the character of the piece and expressing my own interpretation. I received great support from my professor Arkadiusz Adamczyk and through rehearsals with the pianist Julia Dmochowska-Paech. Kalliwoda’s Variations and Rondo require both technical virtuosity and musical expressiveness.
During the recording, I also paid close attention to camera positioning and the sound balance with the piano – all to ensure that the audience could both hear and see the interpretation in the best possible way. My advice for anyone preparing an online performance is to record several takes, test your camera and sound setup, and then choose the version that best reflects your artistic vision."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great bassoonist in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing musicians today and in the coming years?
Bartosz Krzyśka:
"I am currently starting my third year of undergraduate studies at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań. In the first semester, I have the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf, where I am refining my skills and musical interpretation under the guidance of the outstanding London-based soloist Amy Harman.
At the same time, I am involved in many international orchestral projects, such as the World Jewish Philharmonic and the German-Scandinavian Music Week in Germany, which allow me to develop both my technique and musicality, as well as to gain experience working in a diverse artistic environment.
My dream is to perform in a prestigious symphony orchestra and to develop a solo career. I also wish to actively participate in educational projects and to promote lesser-known bassoon repertoire, inspiring younger generations of musicians and showing that the bassoon can be an instrument full of expression and possibilities in every musical era. In my opinion, this path is the best way to develop a career as a bassoonist in today’s world."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Bartosz Krzyśka:
"Participating in the competition was a very valuable experience for me – it not only allowed me to showcase my skills, but also to learn from other participants and observe the diversity of musical interpretations. I would like to sincerely thank my professor Arkadiusz Adamczyk, the pianist Julia Dmochowska-Paech, as well as my family and friends for their support and motivation throughout the preparation process."
