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Polish Heritage Project Hymns, Carols, and Prayers
In 1987, the Assumption B.V.M. Choir of Oil City, Pa., began the Polish Heritage Project with the recording of the first tape and CD titled “Polskie Koledy — Polish Christmas Carols.” There are now many other tapes and accompanying hymnals that are part of this historic collection.
The Polish Heritage Project was spearheaded by the late Carl S. Brozeski, who was choir director and organist. His love for his Polish heritage and its traditions was the driving force behind this project. He saw the need to preserve this part of the Polish culture for future generations. So, with the help of the Assumption B.V.M. Choir, this endeavor began. Because of his foresight, many of the beautiful Polish hymns that we were brought up with are now saved.
“We saw a real need to transcribe the Polish Hymns that we recorded into a format that would be
simple enough to allow anyone to sit down and play them. The old Polskie Spiewniczek is no longer available, nor are other Polish hymnals,” said Joe Brozeski, who now heads the project. Most of the hymnals that can yet be found in choir lofts and church libraries were written in a single line format. Since many people today are not able to improvise the accompaniment, this hymnal was formatted in an easy-to-play fashion. The hymns are written in a standard sheet music format: a single, melody line with accompanying chord notations and a standard two hand format. The chord progression in the melody line will allow anyone with the musical background to improvise his/her own accompaniment
Many hours and fiscal means are required to research, corral, facilitate, produce, deliver, preserve,
maintain and advertise a project of this scope and magnitude. All proceeds benefit the Polish Heritage Project, which today is focusing on the completion of the Polish Heritage
Park in Oil City. For more information about that project, contact Joe Brozeski at Polish Heritage Project, 15 Spring Street, Oil City, PA 16301; (814)-677-4090; www.polishheritageproject.com.
To see back of CD and list of songs, roll mouse over cover image.
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