Valentin Silvestrov's "Widmung & Postludium for Piano & Orchestra" is a captivating journey into the heart of his early mature works, released on May 10, 2024, under the esteemed Naxos label. This classical album spans a total of 1 hour and 3 minutes, featuring five tracks that showcase Silvestrov's unique sound world.
The album begins with "Widmung: I. Allegro moderato con moto - Moderato," a melancholic and mystical homage to the human spirit and life-force. The symphony for violin and orchestra unfolds in three parts, each revealing layers of depth and introspection. "Widmung: II. Moderato con moto - Andantino" and "Widmung: IIIa. Allegretto" continue the exploration of Silvestrov's distinctive style, while "Widmung: IIIb. Andante - Moderato" brings the symphony to a poignant close.
The album concludes with "Postludium for Piano & Orchestra," a yearning and dissonant piece that defies the traditional concerto form. This work, like "Widmung," is a testament to Silvestrov's ability to piece together fragments of a disintegrating world, using orchestral instruments to maintain a semblance of continuity.
Performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and those seeking to explore the profound and evocative compositions of Valentin Silvestrov.