Classical new release - Harmonia Mundi UK Distribution

Label: LSO Live
File Under: Classical/Orchestral
Catalogue No: LSO0731
Barcode: 822231173120
MID Price
Format: 1 HYBRID SACD
Packaging: cristal
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev
SZYMANOWSKI: Symphonies 1 & 2
London Symphony Orchestra
Valery Gergiev
RELEASE DATE
3RD JUNE 2013
Valery Gergiev explores the intense expression, fervour and spirituality of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski
(1882–1937) with his first recording of the early symphonies on LSO Live.
For decades Szymanowski’s music was rarely heard outside Poland. Today, he is recognised as one of Poland’s
greatest musical figures. His desire to embody the music of his native land and his incorporation of the folkloric sounds of
the Polish mountains make his orchestral works a must for anyone with an interest in Polish culture and music. During
Szymanowski’s early career, he wrote works of a grandiose, densely chromatic nature in the Germanic style of Strauss
and Wagner. His first symphony is drenched in evocative Romanticism and is an extremely powerful and emotionally
intense composition.
His second, chamber-like Symphony artfully interweaves layer upon layer of seemingly disparate musical ideas to form a
complex tapestry that became one of the composer’s favourite of his own works. These first two symphonies, both
unconventional in style and format, make for an enthralling listening experience and provide insight into Szymanowski’s
ecstatic musical character.
Concert Reviews:
"no one could fault the commitment or intensity of the playing. The orchestra looked refreshed after the summer recess.
So too Valery Gergiev, who let rip in classic Gergiev fashion. And there were surprises: moments of lyricism from the
middle registers – from violas, clarinets and bassoons – which intermittently cut through the explosions and gave us
some respite." theartsdesk.com
"The most distinctive feature of the [second] symphony is this luxuriant, late romantic use of the orchestra. Valery
Gergiev, the LSO’s principal conductor, is the mastermind behind the series and his command of scintillating textures,
learnt in the fantasy operas and ballets of his native Russian composers, was put to good use." Financial Times