From the 1920s Szymanowski spent much time in Zakopane and became a key member of a group of intellectuals (including the artist and playwright Witkacy) who were enthused by the folklore of the Tatras and dubbed themselves "the emergency rescue service of Tatra culture". Among Szymanowski's works that show a direct influence of Tatra music are the song cycle Seopiewnie (1921), the Mazurkas for piano (1924-25) and, above all, the ballet Harnasie (1931) which is stuffed full of outlaws, features a spectacular highland wedding and boasts authentic gorale melodies in orchestral garb.

Alongside two violin concertos and his Symphony Song of the Night, Szymanowski's greatest work is the Stabat Mater (1926), which draws on the traditions of old Polish church music and is a stunning choral work of great economy and austere beauty. After many years of ill health, Szymanowski died of tuberculosis in 1937 and received an illustrious state funeral with the Obrochta family, one of the leading gorale bands, playing around his tomb in the Skalka church in Krakow.