Gniot Walerian Józef, *8 November 1902 Proszyska (Bydgoszcz Voivodeship), †15 November 1977 Poznań, Polish composer and teacher. In 1922–27 he studied musicology at the university in Poznań; in 1931–33 he pursued studies under S. Wiechowicz at the State Conservatory of Music in Poznań. In 1945–70 he taught theoretical subjects at the State Secondary School of Music in Poznań. Gniot received numerous composition prizes and distinctions, including the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (1975). His compositional output comprises approximately 270 works (currently held by the Adam Mickiewicz University Library). Cultivating the tradition of Polish solo and choral song, Gniot frequently drew upon folk material. A stylistic turn in his oeuvre became evident around 1960 in connection with his use of serial technique (including Wind Quintet No. 3, Impresje Olsztyńskie, Meandry).
Instrumental:
Trio for flute, viola, and double bass, 1936
Sinfonietta, 1937
String Quartet, 1948
Uwertura kujawska, 1950
Études, mazurkas, preludes, sonatas, and numerous miniatures and cycles for piano, including Impresje olimpijskie Op. 97, recorded in 1952
Variations for piano and orchestra, 1957
Sei movimenti for flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, horn, and bassoon, 1962
Wielka symetria for orchestra, 1962
Wind Quintet No. 3 for flute, clarinet, trumpet, horn, and bassoon, 1963
Musica seria for organ, 1964
sonatas and numerous duets for string or wind instruments with a piano, including Impresje olsztyńskie for flute, 1967
In memoriam for organ, 1968
Quincunx for 2 trumpets, horn, and trombone, 1968
Migawki for two trumpets, horn, and trombone, 1971
Variazioni per violino solo, 1972
Dytyramb for organ, 1973
M-M-1 for orchestra, 1973
Meandry for 12 performers, 1974
Ben ritmico for percussion ensemble, 1975
Musica per violino e orchestra, 1975
Wind Sextet No. 2 for 2 trumpets, 2 horns, and 2 trombones, 1977
R-FL-X-67 per orchestra da camera
Vocal and vocal-instrumental:
Missa Exsurgat Deus Op. 76 for choir and organ, 1946, pub. Poznań 1947
Kantata pamięci Chopina Op. 85 for choir and organ, 1948
Missa brevis Op. 56 for choir and organ, pub. Poznań 1948
Pieśń Chopina Op. 83 for choir and orchestra, pub. Poznań 1948
Pierwiosnek Op. 89, cantata for tenor, choir and organ, 1949
solo and choral songs, including 5 pieśni ludowych wielkopolskich Op. 81 for male choir, pub. Poznań 1949
Symfonia wielkopolska Op. 95 for mixed choir and orchestra, 1951
Lokomotywa for mixed choir, 1961
Dachy for mixed choir, 1966
