Górecki* - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Yuri Simonov, Susan Gritton – Symphony No. 3 "Of Sorrowful Songs" (op. 36) / Three Pieces In Old Style (For Strings)

1 Lento - Sostenuto Tranquillo Ma Cantabile 27:57 2 Lento E Largo - Tranquillisimo - Cantabillisimo - Legatissimo 9:22 3 Lento - Cantabile Semplice 15:58 Three Pieces In Old Style 4 Movement One 3:00 5 Movement Two 1:57 6 Movement Three 4:54

When recordings of this his third and most popular symphony, 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs' are compared, most people will gravitate toward the Zinman/Upshaw recording that not only must be one of the most moving works on CD but also surprised the world by becoming a best selling classical music album. Subsequent recordings by different conductors and orchestras and sopranos stand well but the comparison is inevitable - until this very fine recording with Yuri Simonov conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with soprano soloist Susan Gritton, for this listener, adds to the appreciation of this work. Gritton's approach to the text may not be as visceral as Upshaw's pinnacle interpretation, but the sheer beauty and glory of her voice invites the listener to hear the poetry again, refreshed. The orchestra performs well under Simonov's exacting standards and there is a sense of involvement and commitment from all concerned - as though Górecki were sitting in the audience nodding in agreement. One very fine aspect of this recording is the addition of the 'Three Pieces in Old Style', a very strong work in its consistent simplicity of writing: Simonov and the Royal Philharmonic play it exceptionally well.

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