Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Karol Szymanowski with this remarkable album, released on November 1, 2014, under the Chandos label. This collection showcases Szymanowski's extraordinary compositional prowess, featuring his Symphonies No. 1 and No. 3, along with the enchanting "Love Songs of Hafiz."
The album opens with Symphony No. 3, Op. 27, also known as "The Song of the Night," a three-movement masterpiece that blends lyrical melodies with rich orchestration. The first movement, "Moderato assai," sets a contemplative tone, while the second movement, "Allegretto tranquillo," offers a sense of tranquility. The third movement, "Largo," concludes the symphony with a profound and introspective finale.
Following this, the album presents the "Love Songs of Hafiz, Op. 26," a cycle of eight songs that draw inspiration from the poetry of Hafiz, translated by Hans Bethge. These songs, performed by Ben Johnson with the BBC Symphony Chorus, are a testament to Szymanowski's ability to translate poetic imagery into music. Each song, from the wistful "Wünsche" to the solemn "Das Grab des Hafis," is a jewel of orchestral and vocal artistry.
The album concludes with Symphony No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 15, a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Szymanowski's early compositional style. The first movement, "Allegro moderato," and the final movement, "Finale. Allegretto con moto," frame a symphony that is both intense and deeply expressive.
Conducted by Edward Gardner and performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, this album is a testament to Szymanowski's enduring legacy in the classical music world. With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, it offers a comprehensive exploration of Szymanowski's symphonic and vocal works, making it a essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
