Reviewed by John Irvine

The "Three Pieces" of 1963 were an important step in Gorecki's musical path from experimental music in the 1950s to the beautiful tonality of the "Third Symphony" (1976). For the first time Polish traditional music became important to him as a source of formal melodic ideas binding his highly individual 20th century vision to something deeply rooted in the past, in the soil and in the Polish consciousness. In the Three Pieces' the simplest of ideas are used and developed using the full tonal colour available from a string orchestra. The pieces stand also in their own right as compositions full of warmth and grace. If you enjoyed the Third Symphony, you'll certainly enjoy this. The "Amen" for choir also uses simple building blocks: only one word is used - Amen. The piece is based on medieval styles of composition, using formal rules to develop the melody and the underlying counter-melodies. This recording also features another version of the "Third Symphony", a piece that is rapidly in danger of overkill due to over-exposure through the media! This version was recorded five years ago, and is re-released now to coincide with Gorecki-mania. Although the phrasing of the strings is in some ways superior to Dawn Upshaw's version, (reviewed in CR15), the soloist here is too breathy, too closely miked, and fails to carry the melody and the passion as effortlessly as the magnificent Dawn Upshaw. Nevertheless, another interpretation of a great modern symphony and a welcome companion to the "Three Pieces In An Olden Style". Overall, distinctly Polish in character, distinctly Catholic and distinctly Gorecki! Certainly worth acquiring, even if only as a back-up to Upshaw's Symphony Three.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.