Surzynski, Józef
Surzyński, Józef
Surzyński, Józef, Polish theologian, conductor, music scholar, and composer; b. Szrem, near Posen, March 15, 1851; d. Koscian, March 5, 1919. He studied theory with O. Paul in Leipzig (1872-74), where he also took courses at the Cons, and was a violist at the Thomaskirche; studied theology in Rome (doctorate, 1880) and then at the Regensburg school of church music. He was in Posen as Cathedral organist (1881-87), and also conducted its choir; served in Koscian as curate (1894-1919); also was active as a conductor in various Polish cities. He was engaged in the movement to reform church music along Caecilian lines; served as ed. of the journal Muzyka Kosielna (Church Music; 1884-1902). His compositions include sacred works and organ music. His publications include Directorium chori (Posen, 1885), Monumenta musices sacrae in Polonia (Posen, 1885-89), and Matka Boska w muzyce polskiej (The Mother of God in Polish Music; Krakow, 1905). He had 2 brothers who were also musicians: Stefan (b. šroda, Aug. 31, 1855; d. Lwów, April 6, 1919) was an organist, conductor, teacher, and composer; Mieczyslaw (b. šroda, Dec. 22, 1866; d. Warsaw, Sept. 11, 1924) was an organist, conductor, teacher, and composer.
Bibliography
K. Winowicz, J. S.(diss., Univ. of Poznan, 1964).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire