Andrzej Panufnik's "Panufnik: Symphony No.9, Piano Concerto" is a captivating classical album released in 1991 under the Catalyst label. This album showcases the final recordings of the renowned composer and conductor Andrzej Panufnik, who passed away in the same year. The album features the London Symphony Orchestra and pianist Ewa Pobłocka, delivering a powerful performance of Panufnik's Symphony No. 9, "Sinfonia della Speranza," composed between 1986 and 1990, and his revised Piano Concerto, originally composed in 1962.
The symphony, a testament to Panufnik's late-period style, is a profound and hopeful work that reflects his personal journey and the political changes sweeping across Europe at the time. The Piano Concerto, on the other hand, is a complex and enigmatic piece that challenges both the soloist and the orchestra. The album's duration is approximately 65 minutes, offering a substantial exploration of Panufnik's musical genius.
Recorded in association with Technics Hi-Fi in June 1991, this album is a historical document of Panufnik's final creative endeavors. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the works of a composer who significantly influenced 20th-century classical music. The combination of Panufnik's insightful compositions and the exceptional performances by the London Symphony Orchestra and Ewa Pobłocka makes this album a compelling addition to any classical music collection.