Search - BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Maksymiuk :: Paderewski: Symphony in B Minor / Maksymiuk, et al

A compendium of early 20th century music

Evan Wilson | Cambridge, Massachusetts United States | 05/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a disc that will delight you if you're a musical detective. Paderewski's only symphony is a compendium of early 20th century romantic styles as well as a harbinger of several later composers including Shostakovich. The Amazon reviewer is right that you'll hear echoes of Sibelius, Elgar, Rimsky Korsakoff and a number of other composers in this gargantuan symphony which never offends the ear with excessive dissonance. Where I think he goes off base is comparing it to Bruckner in construction. Bruckner built cathedrals of sound that rose to higher and higher spiritual levels. Paderewski seems more interested in mood painting. There are many lovely episodes amid the 74+ minutes of this piece. However, it does wander around a bit...and in fact, it takes a while to actually get going. A more accurate comparison for this piece might be Gliere's "Ilya Murometz" symphony, although this has a lot more musical content than that glossy showpiece. Regardless, it's an entertaining and fascinating symphony to listen to and would serve as a pleasant break from the deluge of Mahler that plagues our concert halls. Paderewski isn't into the hair pulling of Mahler. Instead, he seems to want to give us a glorious travel log of Poland. This performance is the first complete recording of the score that hasn't come from a Polish source. It is colorfully played and spaciously recorded, although I sense a bit of distance from the orchestra. Perhaps it could use a little more Slavic passion. Still, it's hard not to wallow in the glorious sounds one hears and perk up with delight as the ear hears yet another echo of a 20th century master. It's certainly an enjoyable way to spend an evening."

More of a vast tone poem than symphony

Alan Beggerow | Rock Falls, IL USA | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a somewhat sprawling work that to my ears is more of a symphonic poem than a symphony in the traditional sense. It is a contrast in styles, and as the previous reviewer noted does contain elements of many different composer's styles.



Paderewski knew the orchestra very well. While the thematic material used is not particulary melodic, the composer handles the orchestration and development of these themes adequately.



This is not a heaven storming symphony as Mahler, or one that has a great sense of musical architecture as Beethoven. But taken within the confines of its own tonal and loosely formed whole, it is a very enjoyable work. It definitely has some grand moments. Not a work that I will listen to very often, but a very good piece for an occasional hearing. It is tone painting, pure and simple. And quite interesting tone painting it is.



Recommended as a diversion from more 'mainstream' classical music. These kinds of works should have a solid place in a serious music lover's collection. They can be enjoyed on their own merit, and they help our ears to 'stretch' a bit."