If the worlds of classical and heavy rock music are as linked as has often been emphasized, then the work of modern composer Krzysztof Penderecki — whose death at the age of 86 was confirmed this morning — lies at the heart of that connection. The master of brooding, atmospheric, and atonal music, Penderecki’s work influenced everyone from Jimmy Page to Radiohead and on to Lingua Ignota. Unfortunately, Andrzej Giza, director of the Ludwig van Beethoven Association that was founded by Mr. Penderecki’s wife Elzbieta, confirmed the composer’s death today. Penderecki was born in Debiça, Poland, in 1933, and found his world-view and music shaped by his multicultural background which centered around the Catholic, Armenian and Judaic traditi...
