“Wòlô Bòskô – the Kashubian story of unrequited love between Hanuszka and Jaśko conquers opera stages
Kashubian culture is a complete rarity when it comes to classical music. Last December, the Kashubian language was heard for the first time at the Polish National Opera in the cycle of dramatic songs “Wòlô Bòskô.” The compositions, based around a selection of Kashubian texts and traditional melodies were written for baritone and piano by contemporary composer Łukasz Godyla. Since April 17, the performance has been available on OperaVision.
The cycle tells the story of Hanuszka and Jaśko, who fall in love after a chance encounter by a stream. Although the girl’s parents seem to accept their love, they delay their wedding. Soon Jaśko hears about the banns of the marriage between Hanuszka and another man. His sweetheart explains that her decision was motivated by God’s will (Wòlô Bòskô) that cannot be denied. Unable to live without Hanuszka, Jaśko throws himself into the sea.
The selection of songs for the performance was made by baritone Damian Wilma, a native of the region fascinated by the Kashubian culture. According to a review in “Ruch Muzyczny”, he performed Jaśko’s part with clarity and sensitivity. His interpretation made the beautiful traditional melodies sound pure and genuine. They were not separate elements but emerged naturally, as if from misty, spatial landscapes, without being overdone with emotion. On stage, Wilma is partnered by Danuta Stenka, who plays the mother and performs the narrator. Stenka, born in Kashubia (Kartuski County), is one of the most recognizable figures associated with the region.
The production of “Wòlô Bòskô” has also caught the interest of the Baltic Opera Festival, which was launched three years ago. As part of the festival, the tragic story of the ill-fated lovers will be performed once at the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk. On stage July 15.