The work is inspired by the neglected New Dynasy velodrome,  built in the 1970s as a “grassroots community initiative.” It served  for training and races, though only for a short time. Because it  failed to meet the relevant standards, it fell into premature  decline, gradually becoming a bleak memory of itself as flora and  fauna took possession. The site is now closed to the public; any  revitalisation lies in the future.

As ever in such cases, civilisation left unused is beset by decay,  while nature reclaims it with astonishing speed. Hence a text  based on the Latin names of plants colonising New Dynasy. And  since sport appears to be among civilisation’s greatest achievements, the work’s refrain is supplied by choristers panting heavily  with exertion.

The Commentator takes the solo role and should leave no doubt  as to what is happening in both the world of human endeavour  and this biological utopia. Perhaps this will also lend the composition some educational added value.

In keeping with the concept of Space®opera, the choral work— also to be heard at the concert at Terminal Kultury Gocław on  27 September at noon—will form part of the performance. Physical exertion will enter the equation too, arising directly from  the velodrome’s sporting function.

Exertion needs direction. Ideally—especially when one is  young—it should be directed towards success: success now (winning a race, high marks, one’s image on social media) and success in the future (one’s image on social media). Success may be  achieved, among other ways, by racing other cyclists or overcoming obstacles. The synthesis of these two factors is therefore  a track—real, remembered by itself, or perhaps entirely illusory— and obstacles, both real and imagined.

How, though, are people to be persuaded to take part in a race,  especially in one quite so abstract? Here the social role of  the media—including music—comes into play. I decided to equip  every cyclist battling against the odds with an individual motivational loudspeaker, capable of spurring them to greater, still  greater, and still greater exertion.

Jarosław Siwiński