Search - Gorecki, Koslowska, Kord :: Symphony 3

Stirring

A. Hogan | Brooklyn, NY USA | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gorecki's symphony #3 is perhaps the most popular piece of modern classical music available. The Elektra-nonesuch recording with Dawn Upshaw is the most famous [therefore by the the most critiqued,also},often obscuring this wonderful version by the underrated Wasaw Philharmonic. The first movement is somewhat slowere than other versions,leading to the perfect solos of Joanna Kozlowska.Other reviews have mentioned the perfection of Ms. Kozlowska,{her being Polish and fluent is probably essential].The second movement is haunting,powerful...leading to the third movement which beautifully closes this symphony.I know of people who have virtually all of the recordings of this piece. I do not know which is the best{it is purely subjective,anyway.}Though much praised{and criticized} this is an amazing musical expierence.This is a memorable recording of very beautiful music by gifted artists. Hugely recommended!"

Best Recording of Gorecki's masterpiece

John O'brien | Dublin Ireland | 04/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think I have all the available recordings of this symphony and to me, this [...] is the best. The first movement, in particular, is sublime: slow but determined climbing through the chromatics, the pilgrim's progress, then Koslowska's terrifying aria, her final words opening the flood-gates as the orchestra resurge, climbing back ecstatically to their previous heights before descending, descending through the chromatics, back to reality. The second and third movements are almost as thrilling.Only Wanger's Liebestod (e.g. Berstein) can compare with the sheer thrill, the sheer torture in these recordings. This is not background music.I feel that the Upshaw sung version (the most popular recording) lacks the intensity of this version, both orchestrally and in the singing, perhaps the polish language does not lend itself well to non-native singers. Koslowska is simply incredible as forlorn mother and Auswitz-captive teenager, the pain, the projection, the passion, the pleading.The NAXOS recoding is also magnificent, a close No. 2, in particular there is a delightfully subtle piano note touched every few bars in the third movement that is not heard in the Kord (Philips) version. I am a Wagner man through and through, but this would be my single desert island disc. [....]"

Philips gives the listener buried treasure in this release.

A. Hogan | 08/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is buried treasure for two reasons. First, for the person that may be unfamiliar with Gorecki, this piece is a good introduction. The multi-layered, fugal texture of the first movement with lush strings is wonderful. The second reason for this recording being buried treasure is the ensemble itself. I recently attended a concert in Warsaw and heard Maestro Kord conduct the Warsaw Philharmonic. My opinion is that they are perhaps one of the most underrated orchestras in Europe. My choice of recordings did not dissapoint. Kord's ensemble plays with conviction,the tone of the strings is second to none. The soprano,Joanna Kozlowska sings beautifully, the voice is strong from top to bottom. One could only hope that Philips would record more the this great orchestra."