Zofia Kilanowicz - G?recki: Symphony No. 3 ("Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"); Three Olden Style Pieces
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Free Music Notes for G?recki: Symphony No. 3 ("Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"); Three Olden Style Pieces
Free Music Review: this is important
Hit: 5 Stars
i think gorecki's third was released for the first time back in '92 or so. according to _the economist_, it outsold madonna and stayed at the top of the pop charts for a time unprecendented by any symphonic recording. it should come as no surprise, i suppose, that even the artists of the then-burgeoning u.k. techno scene (such as beaumont hannant and pentatonik) were namechecking or sampling outright the third symphony, and with good reason.gorecki's third is, to quote one of my old professors, 'heartbreakingly beautiful'. the raw, emotive phrases make the hair stand on end; the grayest windy-city mornings assume redemptively tragic proportions when this is your soundtrack.
i prefer this version to every other that i've heard, including the much-hyped, but kinda flat, nonesuch version with dawn upshaw. i'm uncertain about squishy notions like 'national character', but this presentation, performed by polish citizens, eclipses the exercise-like renditions of their american and british counterparts in depth and power. each movement develops slowly, taking its time and giving the listener an opportunity to find the right headspace. wit or whoever recorded this performance also downplayed the unnecessary french horn lines and gave more attention to the piano - the result is a much more striking and poignant piece.
Free Music Review: Another version of Gorecki's 3rd
Hit: 5 Stars
This recording served as my introduction to the Gorecki Symphony No. 3. While the Nonesuch recording is simply marvelous, I prefer this one.Antoni Wit is a wonderful conductor. Zofia Kilanowicz is a wonderful soprano. She captures the emotional import of the words and iterprets the music beautifully.
All in all, it is a wonderful recording.
Free Music Review: Desert island disc
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a sensational version of Gorecki's masterpiece, rivalled only for top spot in my music collection by the Kord version of the same piece on Phillips. The sound quality is phenominal. The third movement in particular stands out, there is a delicate and subtle piano touch not present in the other recordings that give it a measured focus. The singing is simply sublime, I cannot understand the popularity of the Dawn Upshaw recording with the superior intonation and diction of the native soprano so readily available on recordings such as this. Uplifting though sombre, thought provoking though repetitive, this is as good as it gets !Free Music Review: Don't miss this one
Hit: 5 Stars
I'd gladly pay $50 to for this recording. Not only do I think it's just as good as the popular Nonesuch recording with Upshaw, I think it's better hands down. Kilanowisz voice is just outstanding for this piece, blending in with the breathtaking harmonies and emotion of the piece rather than sounding like she's performing an opera aria. The Warsaw Symphony orchestra is rich and thick and produces an amazing harmonies and overtones that won't hear on the Nonesuch recording. Kilanowisz voice is up to the power of this full size orchestra from the lowest notes to the highest. Together, they bring Gorecki's symphony to life in a way that will be tough to surpass. A must have for any fan of Gorecki's 3rd!