Henryk Górecki's 'The Polish Heart' is a poignant and evocative album that showcases the Polish composer's unique blend of minimalism and classical music. Released on 14 October 1999 by Naxos, this collection of works is a testament to Górecki's ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The album features a range of pieces, including the beautiful 'Polonaise No. 3 In A Major, Op. 40, No. 1, "Military"' and the haunting 'Symphony No. 3, Op. 36, "Symfonia Piesni Zalosnych" (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs)': 2nd Mvt: Lento E Largo - Tranquillisimo. Górecki's music is characterised by its use of simple, yet powerful melodies, and a deep sense of emotional intensity.
Throughout his life, Górecki was driven by a desire to create music that was true to his Polish heritage, while also speaking to fundamental human experiences. His works often explore themes of sorrow, loss, and longing, yet they are also infused with a sense of hope and redemption.
'The Polish Heart' is a powerful and moving album that showcases Górecki's unique vision and artistry. With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, it is an album that invites the listener to immerse themselves in the beauty and emotion of Górecki's music. As a composer who has been widely acclaimed for his ability to create music that is both accessible and profound, Henryk Górecki's 'The Polish Heart' is an album that is sure to resonate with anyone who loves classical music.
1999 Naxos1999 Naxos
Tracks
Polonaise No. 3 In A Major, Op. 40, No. 1, "Military"Idil Biret, Frédéric Chopin
4 Studies, Op. 4 (Arr. For Orchestra): Etude For Orchestra In B Flat Minor, Op. 4, No. 3Polish State Philharmonic Orchestra, Katowice, Karol Szymanowski
Fantasy On Polish Airs, Op. 13: Air: Juz Miesiac Aeszedt: AndantinoSlovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice, Idil Biret, Frédéric Chopin
Harnasie, Op. 55: Harnasie (Ballet Pantomime), Op. 55 - ExcerptHenryk Grychnik, Polish State Philharmonic Chorus (Katowice), Polish State Philharmonic Orchestra, Katowice, Karol Szymanowski
3 Pieces, Op. 15: Melodie MeditativeKonstantin Scherbakov, Leopold Godowsky
Suite In Modo Polonico: Oberek Mazurka: Vivace GiocosoMarc Regnier, Alexandre Tansman
Kujawiak In A Minor: Mazurka, KujawiakMarat Bisengaliev, Henryk Wieniawski
The Maiden's Prayer, Op. 4: The Maiden's Prayer, Opus 4Péter Nagy, Tekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska
Miscellanea, Op. 16 : Melodie In G Flat Major, Op. 16, No. 2Péter Nagy, Ignacy Jan Paderewski
Suite In Modo Polonico: Kujawiak Mazurka: LentoMarc Regnier, Alexandre Tansman
Rondo A La Krakowiak, Op. 14: Rondo: Allegro Non TroppoIdil Biret, Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice, Frédéric Chopin
Little Suite : Little Suite - Piosenka (Song)Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Witold Lutosławski
Suite In Modo Polonico: Kolysanka No. 1 (Berceuse D'orient): Adagio CantabileMarc Regnier, Alexandre Tansman
Symphony No. 3, Op. 36, "Symfonia Piesni Zalosnych" (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs): 2nd Mvt: Lento E Largo - TranquillisimoHenryk Górecki, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Zofia Kilanowicz, Anonymous, Helena Wanda Blazusiakowna
Nocturne No. 2 In E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2Idil Biret, Frédéric Chopin