ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The Acte Préalable edition of "Chopin: Complete Works" is a monumental 17‑album series documenting every note Frédéric Chopin ever composed , performed by a single artist—an achievement unprecedented in Poland and rare in the world. It is the culmination of a lifelong relationship between Jan A. Jarnicki —producer of the series and founder of the Acte Préalable label—and the music of Frédéric Chopin. This connection reaches back not only to Jarnicki’s earliest memories, but deep into his family history. Chopin’s music accompanied him from childhood, beginning with the 1965 International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, and later intertwined with family heritage when he learned that his great‑great‑grandfather, painter Antoni Kolberg, created the composer’s final portrait in Paris in 1848. For Jarnicki, Chopin has always been more than a national icon; he has been a constant presence.Jarnicki founded Acte Préalable with the mission of reviving forgotten Polish music. Over time, however, new encounters and evolving ambitions led him to expand that vision. In February 2005, during a quiet winter visit with his friend Arkadiusz Jędrasik, an idea emerged—audacious in scale and unprecedented in Poland: to record the complete works of Frédéric Chopin with a single Polish artist in time for the composer’s bicentenary.There was only one pianist Jarnicki believed capable of undertaking such a monumental task: the exceptional Joanna Ławrynowicz, already a trusted artistic partner of the label. When he presented the proposal—delivered with the solemnity of a grave announcement—her initial shock quickly gave way to enthusiasm. She accepted immediately, and the project officially began in April 2005.The journey was long and not without obstacles. Despite early momentum, unreliable collaborators made it impossible to meet the 2010 anniversary deadline. By spring of that year, nearly all works had been recorded except the songs and concertos. The orchestral works were completed in 2011, and the songs—the final missing element—were recorded in October 2019.Throughout the entire undertaking, Jarnicki personally produced and financed every recording . Although he sought support from both private and public institutions—including the Ministry of Culture and the National Frédéric Chopin Institute—his requests went unanswered. Undeterred, he continued independently, ultimately choosing March 1st, 2020, Chopin’s birthday, as the symbolic release date for the complete edition.This monumental project owes much to the generosity and dedication of many individuals. Special thanks are extended to Antoni Grudziński for granting permission to include excerpts from his book Frédéric Chopin: A Guide to His Life and Works in the album booklets. Deep gratitude is owed to Joanna Ławrynowicz, whose artistry, perseverance, and meticulous work made the cycle possible. Appreciation is also extended to Andrzej Gębski, Jarosław Domżał, and Adam Krzeszowiec for their contributions to the chamber recordings.The label further acknowledges the steadfast support of Arkadiusz Jędrasik, whose encouragement has accompanied not only this project but many of Acte Préalable’s recording and publishing initiatives. And finally, heartfelt thanks go to Magdalena Wolińska, whose unwavering support has been essential to the very existence of Acte Préalable.This 17‑album edition stands as a tribute—to Chopin, to Polish musical heritage, to the artists and friends who made it possible, and to Jan A. Jarnicki’s enduring belief that great music deserves to be preserved with devotion, integrity, and love. All music performed by Joanna Ławrynowicz (piano)Artistic director & producer: Jan A. JarnickiArt direction: Małgorzata Łoza-LipszycConsultant: Malcolm Henbury-BallanManagement: Magdalena WolińskaRecording engineers: Grzegorz Stec, Stanisław Bokowy, Piotr Grinholc, and Jacek Złotkowski
