COMPOSERS: Penderecki
LABELS: EMI Matrix
WORKS: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima; Capriccio for Violin; De natura sonoris No. 1; De natura sonoris No. 2; Canticum canticorum Salomonis
PERFORMER: Wanda Wilkomirska (violin)Polish Radio National SO, LSO/Krzysztof Penderecki
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 5 65077 2 ADD (1976/73)
This disc offers a chronological survey of Penderecki’s output between 1959 and 1974: eight primarily orchestral works, including several of the most significant (the famous Threnody among them) and at least one rarity (Fonogrammi). Placing these pieces end to end emphasises their composer’s shortcomings: reliance on obvious effects (occasionally the most dreadful banality) and shortwindedness (six works last under 10 minutes each) are just two. But the performances, under his direction, are generally exemplary, as are the recordings, given their age. Keith Potter
Penderecki: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima; Capriccio for Violin; De natura sonoris No. 1; De natura sonoris No. 2; Canticum canticorum Salomonis
This disc offers a chronological survey of Penderecki’s output between 1959 and 1974: eight primarily orchestral works, including several of the most significant (the famous Threnody among them) and at least one rarity (Fonogrammi). Placing these pieces end to end emphasises their composer’s shortcomings: reliance on obvious effects (occasionally the most dreadful banality) and shortwindedness (six works last under 10 minutes each) are just two. But the performances, under his direction, are generally exemplary, as are the recordings, given their age. Keith Potter
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm