Naukowe, edytorskie i kompozytorskie osiągnięcia reformatora muzyki kościelnej w Polsce ks. dra Józefa Surzyńskiego

Abstract

The Rev. J. Surzyński (1851-1919) was a priest, a doctor of theology, an editor, a conductor, an organist and a representative of the first generation of Polish musicologists (without an educational qualification). In the first place he was well-known for his muslcologlcal activity which had its aim in the discovery and popularization of numerous Polish musical relics. His editorial work was strictly connected with this activity. The series of the 4 volumes of "Monumenta musices sacrae in Polonia" (1885-1896) was an achievement of the European scale. Surzyński published there the compositions of such Polish composers as Sebastian from Felsztyn, Marcin Leopolita, Bartłomiej Pękiel, Tomasz Szadek, Mikołaj Gomółka, Grzegorz Gerwazy Gorczycki, Wacław from Szamotuły, Mikołaj Zieleńskl and others. One of his most valuable scholarly achievements is represented by his "Songs of the Polish Catholic Church from the most ancient times until the end of the XVI century" and "The Mother of God in Polish music". Moreover, he used to publish hymn-books and song-books, and he edited the periodical "Church Music". As for his achievements as composer, they number 215 compositions of which 163 are original and 52 elaborations. As the conductor he vived in 1894 the boys' and men's choir of Poznań Cathedral and it was with this choir that he performed some XVI and XVII century compositions as well as some newer ones. In 1883 he founded the Society of St. Wojciech in Poznań and later also in other Polish cities. From 1889 on he was professor of liturgical studies and of Gregorian chant in the seminary of Poznań. As an expert, he often assisted with the delivery of newly-built organs. By his activity J. Surzyński made his mark on Polish music culture.