Dive into the avant-garde orchestral masterpieces of Witold Lutosławski with "Opera Omnia 03," a captivating collection released in 2011. This album, part of a series by CD Accord and the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic, showcases two of Lutosławski's most intriguing compositions: "Preludes and Fugue" and the "Double Concerto for Oboe and Harp."
The album opens with the "Preludes and Fugue," a series of seven preludes followed by a fugue, all composed for 13 string instruments. Each prelude offers a unique exploration of texture and form, culminating in a complex and engaging fugue. This work, written between 1970 and 1972, is a testament to Lutosławski's innovative approach to composition.
The second half of the album features the "Double Concerto for Oboe and Harp," a three-movement piece that highlights the unique timbres of the oboe and harp. The concerto, with its evocative titles—"Rapsodico," "Dolente," and "Marziale e grotesco"—offers a rich tapestry of sounds and moods, showcasing the virtuosity of soloists Nicholas Daniel on oboe and Lucy Wakeford on harp.
Conducted by Ernst Kovacic and performed by the NFM Leopoldinum Chamber Orchestra and the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra, this album is a stunning showcase of Lutosławski's avant-garde orchestral style. With a total duration of 56 minutes, "Opera Omnia 03" is an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection, offering a deep dive into the innovative and thought-provoking works of one of Poland's most celebrated composers.