Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Witold Lutosławski with the album "Szymanowski: Symphony No. 2 - Lutosławski: Livre & Musique funèbre." This 2016 release from Accentus Music is a masterful blend of orchestral and avant-garde genres, showcasing the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Alexander Liebreich.
The album opens with Karol Szymanowski's Symphony No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 19, a sweeping composition that sets the stage for the rest of the journey. The first movement, "Allegro moderato - Grazioso," is a delightful introduction, while the second movement, "Tema - Variazioni - Fuga," showcases the orchestra's technical prowess.
The heart of the album lies in Lutosławski's own works, "Livre pour orchestre" and "Musique funèbre." "Livre pour orchestre" is divided into three chapters and three interludes, each offering a unique exploration of sound and rhythm. "Musique funèbre," a four-movement piece, is a profound and moving experience, with the third movement, "Apogée. Molto appassionato, quasi rubato," being particularly striking.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and engaging exploration of the works of Witold Lutosławski and Karol Szymanowski.