Kołysanka
For solo violin, string quartet & chamber organ*
(2021)

*Alternative version for solo violin & string orchestra

Premiered by Daniel Pioro & Katherine Tinker, Wigmore Hall, July 2021. Recorded by Daniel Pioro for Saint Boy (Platoon, 2023). String orchestra version premiered by Daniel Pioro & Manchester Camerata, Bridgewater Hall, June 2023.

Kołysanka continues Martin's ongoing exploration of the mother-child relationship, and specifically the lullaby as a musical form. The title, meaning 'lullaby' in Polish, reflects its origin as a birthday gift for a Polish friend. It is an intentionally simple piece: a short series of chords in C major from which the solo violin part gradually gains independence.

Martin is drawn to the lullaby both for its direct reference to maternal care and for the soothing, meditative effect it can have on a listener. At the same time, he often alludes to a 'crying' motif.