Szymanowski: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

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Being a natural inheritor of Scriabinesque exoticism, Szymanowski is bound to bring out the best in Scriabin's most imaginative interpreters, which is why Valery Gergiev proves such a convincing... — Gramophone Magazine, September 2013 More…

Release Date: 3rd Jun 2013
Catalogue No: LSO0731
Label: LSO Live
Length: 47 minutes

Presto Recording of the Week

3rd June 2013

Szymanowski: Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 15: I. Allegro patetico

Work length9:25

$1.20

$1.50

$1.75

London Symphony Orchestra, Valéry Gergiev

Szymanowski: Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 15: II. Finale Allegretto con moto. Grazioso

Work length8:22

$1.20

$1.50

$1.75

London Symphony Orchestra, Valéry Gergiev

Szymanowski: Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 19

Work length29:36

$9.40

$11.75

$13.65

London Symphony Orchestra, Valéry Gergiev

I. Allegro Moderato. Grazioso

Track length11:17

$1.40

$1.75

$2.05

II. Theme

Track length1:19

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

III. Variation I

Track length1:21

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

IV. Variation II

Track length1:53

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

V. Variation III

Track length2:23

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

VI. Variation IV

Track length2:05

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

VII. Variation V

Track length2:15

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

VIII. Finale Introduction – Variation VI

Track length1:04

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

IX. Finale – Fugue

Track length5:59

$1.00

$1.25

$1.45

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Recording of the Week, Valery Gergiev and the LSO begin a cycle of Szymanowski symphonies

3rd June 2013

The richness of the London Symphony Orchestra’s string section is showcased to great effect in the tender, lyrical slow movements of both symphonies, whilst Gergiev responds to the music’s more volatile moments extremely well.

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.

Reviews

September 2013

Being a natural inheritor of Scriabinesque exoticism, Szymanowski is bound to bring out the best in Scriabin's most imaginative interpreters, which is why Valery Gergiev proves such a convincing interpreter of both works. He draws excellent playing from the London Symphony Orchestra

6th September 2013

All strength to Gergiev for allowing us to judge for ourselves by presenting the best possible case for [the First].

3rd June 2013

both symphonies allow ample opportunity for the LSO strings to show off their rich, deep sound, especially in some of the more tender, lyrical sections...The volatile nature of both works, but especially the First Symphony, suits Gergiev extremely well..If you’re curious about exploring a new composer, and you like big, powerful, ecstatic orchestral music then this is a great disc to try out.

8th July 2013

It can’t be easy to play, and Valery Gergiev’s LSO sound is technically brilliant, if a little cool emotionally...Fascinating, if uneven music – one hopes that Gergiev’s Barbican performances of Symphonies 3 and 4 will be released soon.

Szymanowski: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

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Recording of the Week, Valery Gergiev and the LSO begin a cycle of Szymanowski symphonies

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