Dive into the avant-garde world of Witold Lutosławski with this captivating album, released on January 1, 1996, under Sony Classical. This collection is a testament to Lutosławski's innovative compositional style, blending orchestral grandeur with experimental techniques. The album opens with the majestic "Fanfare for Los Angeles Philharmonic," setting the stage for the intricate "Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1987)," a four-movement piece that showcases the pianist's virtuosity and the orchestra's dynamic range. The second movement, "Presto," is particularly noteworthy for its rapid tempo and rhythmic complexity.
Following the concerto, the album presents "Chantefleurs et Chantefables," a song cycle for soprano and orchestra. This nine-movement work is a delightful exploration of nature and poetry, with each piece named after a different flower or creature. The soprano's voice weaves through the orchestral textures, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of sound.
The album concludes with Lutosławski's "Symphony No. 2," a two-movement work that exemplifies the composer's ability to blend traditional symphonic forms with modernist innovations. The first movement, "Hesitant," begins with a sense of uncertainty, gradually building to a powerful climax. The second movement, "Direct," is a stark contrast, characterized by its driving rhythms and bold harmonies.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive overview of Lutosławski's compositional genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the avant-garde, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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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