Customer Reviews

Henryk Gorecki: Symphony No. 3 "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs", Three Pieces in the Olden Style

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I believe I have heard every recording of Gorecki's 3rd Symphony. To my ears and heart, the Radio Berlin version with soloist Stefania Woytovicz is the most moving. This is a great performance of one of the greatest pieces of the 20th Century.

Of all of the recordings of Gorecki's most popular work, this is the one to have. It's far and away better than the million-selling Upshaw/Zinman read-through. In this work the soloist needs to have complete command of the Polish language. Stefania Woytovicz's performance (released as long ago as 1978 on LP) not only has that, but is simply heartbreaking, and Kamirski and the BRSO sensitively support her. The ascendancy of the Nonesuch recording says volumes about the power of publicity vs. true artistic merit. This disc is hard to find, but well worth the search.

I enjoy this record very much. It is one of the best version of this symphonie (I have 2 others).The soprano and the orchester are perfect and so emotive. Thanks a lot.