Dive into the captivating world of Witold Lutosławski with this compelling album, a masterful blend of orchestral brilliance and avant-garde innovation. Released on January 1, 1996, under the Sony Classical label, this collection showcases Lutosławski's distinctive voice in contemporary classical music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, the album is a testament to the composer's ability to push boundaries and create evocative, thought-provoking pieces.
The album opens with the grand "Fanfare for Los Angeles Philharmonic," setting the stage for the intricate and dynamic "Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987)." This four-movement work is a tour de force, showcasing the composer's intricate interplay between solo piano and full orchestra. Each movement offers a unique exploration of rhythm and melody, from the precise dotted quarter note of the first movement to the lively Presto of the second.
Following the concerto, the album presents "Chantefleurs et Chantefables," a song cycle for soprano and orchestra. This enchanting series of nine movements draws inspiration from nature and poetry, each piece a delicate and expressive exploration of the human voice and orchestral accompaniment.
The album concludes with Lutosławski's "Symphony No. 2," a two-movement work that encapsulates the composer's ability to create profound emotional depth and complexity. From the hesitant, introspective first movement to the direct, powerful second, this symphony is a compelling journey through the composer's unique musical landscape.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Lutosławski or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It's a celebration of the composer's innovative spirit and his enduring contribution to the world of classical music.
(P) 1996 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Fanfare for Los Angeles PhilharmonicWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987): I. dotted quarter note = ca. 110Witold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paul Crossley, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987): II. Presto (quarter note = ca. 160)Witold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paul Crossley, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987): III. eighth note = ca. 85 - Largo (quarter note = 40-45)Witold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paul Crossley, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987): IV. quarter note = ca. 84Witold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paul Crossley, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: I. La Belle-de-NuitWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: II. La SauterelleWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: III. La VéroniqueWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
IV. L'Eglantine, l'Aubépine et la GlycineWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dawn Upshaw
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: V. La TortueWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: VI. La RoseWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: VII. L'AlligatorWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: VIII. L'AngéliqueWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Chantefleurs et Chantefables - Song Cycle for Soprano & Orchestra: IX. Le PapillonWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dawn Upshaw, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Symphony No. 2: I. HesitantWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Symphony No. 2: II. DirectWitold Lutosławski, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Los Angeles Philharmonic
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