COMPOSERS: Szymanowski
LABELS: Koch Schwann
WORKS: Mazurkas, Opp. 50 & 62
PERFORMER: Pawel Kamasa (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 3-1066-2
Szymanowski was like Chopin in two respects – he was Polish, and he wrote a collection of mazurkas for the piano. There, however, the similarity ends. Szymanowski’s pieces display abundant passion and some of the opulence of Scriabin; they stem from the composer’s love for the people and culture of the Tatra Mountains. John Ogdon saw their subtle fusion of the Orient and the West as redolent of the writings of James Elroy Flecker.
The CD’s booklet note carries a rave review by Lutoslawski (no less), who heard the finished recording shortly before his death. His plaudits are thoroughly justified. Kamasa’s whole approach is sheer perfection. It would be impossible to imagine these pieces being more beautifully and tastefully played. Wadham Sutton