Modern Penderecki!!!
5
By Moussorgsky1
So. Here's what i think. Krzysztof Pendercki is one of the greatest avant-garde composers i have ever heard. I love hoew his music has no definite melody and structure. He is officially my favorite. Now, can Antoni Wit interpret this music as good as the composer? Abso-fricken-lutely yes! I love the clear, modern sound! Naxos will always by my favorite label, second onl Deutsche Grammophon. Antoni's Penderecki series is one that every lover of Penderecki should get. I can't wait until he gets the other De Natura Sonoris, Canticum Canticorum Salomonis, etc., on disc. Great job.
A very good introduction to one of the most important composers of the 20th century
4
By melisma
Any twentieth-century music history class is not complete without the thorough study of the Polish composer Penderecki. His most famous work is present on this CD: Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima. I can remember the exact day, weather, and classroom perspective when I first heard this piece over loudspeakers, and since then, there is no humanly way I will ever forget the sounds of siren- and scream-like seemingly electronic strings wailing for nine minutes. Incredible music that every person should experience, regardless of whether they do or do not like it, as it is such an emotionally moving composition. Aside from Threnody, the other two works (Fluorescenses for Orchestra and De Natura Sonoris II for Orchestra) that incorporate the long-held chords (the "sound mass," as another reviewer mentioned), are just as amazing.
In fact, some people might recognize De Natura Sonoris II from the movie The Shining as well as another of Penderecki's compositions - Utrenja, which is one of the eeriest pieces of music I know. Furthermore, humorously enough, Penderecki's work was also included in the Exorcist. I am fairly certain that Threnody was used in the recent movie "Children of Men" as well.
NAXOS, the producers of many art music CDs, is a very dependable source of high quality performances and ideal combinations of work and introductions to composers. While this CD does not include his monumental piece "St. Luke's Passion," (Which everyone should hear at least once), this CD serves as a sufficient introduction to Penderecki. I would also recommend listening to Symphony No. 4, which was written at the same time he was writing Symphony No. 3, and is a little more well-known.
If you want to develop a cursory acquaintance with Penderecki, this CD is ideal. For a more in-depth view on the composer, looking elsewhere might be best.
YES!!
5
By Ryan Neighbors
i have owned this album for quite awhile, and i have to say that it is in my top 5 of my HUNDREDS of albums. the second movement of the third symphony is incredible. the final three tracks in this cd are known as a composition called "Sound Mass". the whole idea is that you have a block of sound that is constantly changing...take a cloud for instance, a cloud is constantly growing, shrinking, developing . same applies to the sound mass. GREAT ALBUM perfect for anybody who wants something different to listen to
great.
5
By bet23
Wish they would not mix the neo romantic works with the avant garde... but I get what they are doing. Its still a great cd, and great price. I love the avant garde more... its powerful music.
music for the brave
4
By ScottieB123
If you are expecting something that resembles the holy trinity of classical music -- Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven -- this recording is not for you. However, if you are open to the vanguard and avante-guarde, this may appeal to you. Certainly the price is right.
Penderecki Great hits!
5
By Mike Turner
This recording is one of the best compilations of Penderecki's most important works ever done! The Orchestra is GREAT, and the interpretation of his music is impeccable. I plan on using this recording in my teaching at the College/University level.
strange and weird
4
By Spangler
absolutely twisted!
I AM THANKFUL THAT I DISCOVERED PENDERECKI!!
5
By MFaulkner
If you are a serious music fan that is always looking for something to expand and challenge your musical ear then, please, take my advice and explore the works of Penderecki. I learned about him only 30 minutes ago during a class that I am taking that studies the history of "classical" music and am thankful for my discovery.
If you are like myself, always on the hunt for something exciting to reinvigorate my understanding of what makes music so great, then listen to these pieces of music. Preview them and you should be able to gather what is going on enough to tempt your interest. If you are going to purchase only one track, I would recommend "Threnody For The Victims of Hiroshima". It was my introduction and seems to be a good starting point if there is one here with such an artist.
WOW, WOW, WOW!!
