Ruth
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 6 
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Post by Ruth on Jun 3, 2016 5:10:11 GMT
Henryk Gorecki - Symphony No. 3 – Zinman, Upshaw, London Sinfonietta  I was first introduced to this piece of music in about the summer of 2008 by my partner Martin, a short time after we met. Henryk Gorecki was a Polish composer of contemporary classical music (1933-2010). Not being a great classical music expert, and knowing nothing about this composer, I heard it and was struck by the slow, deep and melancholy start followed by the magnificence of Dawn Upshaw’s voice later on. It was, however, during the next nine months that this album came to have a particular significance and meaning for me personally. I played it frequently, not to wallow in self-pity but to bring me closer to my partner who was going through a very difficult time in his life. I would lie in bed in the darkness listening to it, hoping he, who was facing probably what could be described as the fight for his life, lay in his hospital bed. For me it evoked huge sadness and anger at the short and happy time we had had together and what then seemed an uncertain future. But in another strange way it also brought me comfort. The second movement I find particularly uplifting and filled me more with a sense of hope. I am not generally a fan of operatic singing but the singing on this album is truly magnificent. I have since learned that it was released to commemorate the memory of those lost during the Holocaust, hence the name Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. We have survived that difficult time, I am glad to say, and I possibly feel a sense of guilt that I do not pay homage to it as often as perhaps I might once have done. It is a great piece for contemplation and reflection but it will for some listeners require patience because of the slow delivery especially at the start. Try to be patient as the first movement is 26 minutes long and then the second early part is only 9 but they do flow into each other. This is most definitely not background music. If you can, listen to it and think about someone or something you care about deeply. I have since 2008 had the luxury of hearing it live, played and beautifully sung at the Royal Festival Hall, with Martin. Yes, I still felt a strong emotional connection but at least I managed this time to listen to it tear-free. This recording is not on Spotify, but here is an alternative: Wikipedia
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Post by MartinT on Jun 3, 2016 6:05:49 GMT
Thank you, Ruth  I'm still here and must therefore give it 10/10. |
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Post by SteveC on Jun 3, 2016 9:56:29 GMT
Excellent choice Ruth.
I have several versions of this, including the Telarc CD with Donald Runnicles conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra/Christine Brewer, soprano.
I have listened to the Zinman/Upshaw disc, which is usually the recommended choice, but my personal favourite is the Philips recording by Kord/Kozlowska, shown above.
For many years, I have tried to obtain a copy of the SACD produced by Lippinski Sound, with the composer himself, conducting the orchestra in a Polish church. Alas, it remains unavailable, although a Blue Ray disc has been released. Maybe, one day!
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 3, 2016 10:10:56 GMT
Thanks Ruth!
I look forward to listening to this - three 10/10 votes already, the stakes are high!
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Post by Slinger on Jun 3, 2016 12:48:44 GMT
Another 10 from me. I still prefer the David Zinman/Dawn Upshaw version, but that's possibly just because it's the first I ever heard. On that note, thank you Classic CD Magazine of December 1992 (yes, I looked it up) for what was probably a seminal moment in my appreciation of the more modern era of classical music.
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Post by Tim on Jun 3, 2016 14:55:53 GMT
Ooo err misses, what a choice. I don't have it here with me in China, but I can score this easily as 10/10. I discovered this I think via a film soundtrack quite sometime ago and it just grabbed me instantly. Being the pensive and deeply emotional nutter that I am, this music has the ability to reach into your soul and wring you inside out. Not for everyday listening, but when required it can almost be too painful to listen too, as it's so moving. What a grand choice and going on the reaction of the friends I have played it to over the years, you will either love it or hate it. Marmite for classical music aficionados. I really love it Ruth and thanks for the reminder |
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Ruth
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 6
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Post by Ruth on Jun 3, 2016 18:17:07 GMT
Hi Tim
Really pleased you liked the album choice. You are so right this music has the ability to reach into your soul. I feel just the same, you just worded it better than me and yes sometimes it is too painful to listen to it, yet I love it.
How is China? Hope you are settled and enjoying life.
Take care
Ruth
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 4, 2016 10:10:02 GMT
What a grand choice and going on the reaction of the friends I have played it to over the years, you will either love it or hate it. Marmite for classical music aficionados. I thought I didn't know this work but I do - I've heard the 2nd movement on radio a number of times and whilst I certainly don't 'hate' the work, it's not something I can personally connect to on purely a musical basis. I did enjoy the first movement though. Something strange happened - I had it turned up loud and heard this weird rattling sound that I couldn't work out where it came from. I then found that the bass was so prodigious even on my pc speakers that a sheet of paper lying on one of them was rattling like crazy! Can't imagine what that would sound like on the main system ... I expect it could take the roof off on Martin's Usher beasts. Given the personal significance of this work I think it would be churlish for me to 'rate' it though and thanks to Ruth for sharing the story. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 4, 2016 10:47:50 GMT
You should rate it though, Jules. All music is personal and we need your honest vote whatever that may be.
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Post by Tim on Jun 4, 2016 13:32:33 GMT
How is China? Hope you are settled and enjoying life. It's a challenge Ruth, visiting is one thing, living and working here is all together different. I'm really missing live music and there's no such thing as a record or music shop anywhere near me, have to go into Hong Kong for that. Food shopping is the biggest thing, the mainlanders round here just eat Chinese food and nothing else, so if you like chicken feet, pork fat and all manner of odd looking dead things you're fine, if you want pasta, cheese or anything like that, forget it. I like Chinese food, but I don't want to eat it 3 times a day, everyday! |
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 4, 2016 18:45:50 GMT
It's a while since I heard this piece - I find it too harrowing. The emotional connection is just too strong for me.
The Zinman recording was never my favourite but I'll give it another try.
But here it is on Spotify!
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 4, 2016 18:57:10 GMT
How is China? Hope you are settled and enjoying life. Food shopping is the biggest thing, the mainlanders round here just eat Chinese food and nothing else, so if you like chicken feet, pork fat and all manner of odd looking dead things you're fine, Interesting. So who in China is it that gets to eat the rest of the chicken and the pork meat? Or are they exported? |
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 4, 2016 19:19:04 GMT
Try this
From the Amazon description ...
Product Description
Colin Stetson is an American saxophonist and multireedist who has collaborated with an number of influential indie rock acts such as Arcade Fire, Bon Iver and Bell Orchestre. This new release 'SORROW', led by Stetson, is a reimagining of Henryk Górecki's most famous piece, performed by a 12-piece band including Arcade Fire's Sarah Neufeld, Saltland's Rebecca Foon, Greg Fox of Liturgy, Megan Stetson and more and recorded in 2015 in Brooklyn, New York. "We all have those moments when we experience a piece of music that transforms us, and this was one of those moments for me," says Stetson. "Over the years, I went on to listen to this record countless times, always determined to absorb every instance of it, to know it throughout and fully. And this dedication to a thorough knowledge of the piece eventually gave way to a need to perform it." "The concept was simple, and true to the original score. I haven't changed existing notation, but rather have worked with altering instrumentation, utilizing a group consisting heavily of woodwinds, synthesizers, and electric guitars... The arrangement draws heavily from the world of black metal, early electronic music, and from my own body of solo saxophone music. The result is an intact rendition of Henryk Górecki's 3rd Symphony, though one which has been filtered through the lens of my particular musical aesthetic and experience."
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Post by jandl100 on Jun 4, 2016 19:25:25 GMT
Listening to the Zinman, my problem with it is, as before, that Upshaw is too operatically melodramatic in presentation. She does rather belt it out. I prefer a subtler approach to these devastating vocals, to me it's more affecting if the soloist doesn't go at it full throttle.
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Post by John on Jun 4, 2016 20:11:23 GMT
Thanks so much for sharing this Ruth and the story behind this
I really wanted to like it but I like a bit more going on to grab my attention I get the darkness to it and often find beauty in music that express sorrow or is haunting
I could only give it a 3
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 5, 2016 9:34:41 GMT
You should rate it though, Jules. All music is personal and we need your honest vote whatever that may be. Fair enough Martin - I'm giving it a 5 ... |
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