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Gorecki: Symphony No. 3 (David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta) Album Songs

NoSong TitleTime
1.Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 "Symphony Of...26:47
2.Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 "Symphony Of... 9:27
3.Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 "Symphony Of...17:09

David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta - Gorecki: Symphony No. 3 Album Comments

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Gorecki: Symphony No. 3 [David Zinman, Dawn Upshaw & London Sinfonietta] Album Reviews

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- Amazing piece

In my life, I have twice been driving and needed to pull to the side of the road because a piece of classical music was playing on the radio that was so powerful that I couldn't drive. The first movement of Gorecki's Symphony No. 3 was one of those moments. When Dawn Upshaw first comes in is one of the most hauntingly beautiful moments in music that I have ever heard. Immediately after listening to the radio announcer say what was playing, I headed to a music store (back when those existed) and bought a copy. The clerk at the desk said, "That's funny. This is the third one I have sold in the last five minutes." It was no wonder. The next time I was in there, they didn't have 4 or 5 copies but more than 100 for sale.

- Raptuous Music

At the end of the movie, Fearless(1993), music from the first movement of Gorecki's Third Symphony, stirs and awakens a feeling of profound grief and, ultimately supreme joy, creating an atmosphere of raptuous contemplation... I highly recommend this CD!

- Gorecki-- symphony No 3

Very nice! Well worth it!

- Powerful... Heart Wrenching... Unforgettable

I was given this album years ago, '94 maybe, and simply set it aside for a few months. The next Christmas I was at a loss for music that was appropriate for my family's mad dash to open our gifts. (We were without regular Christmas music.) I thought that a break from the typical Christmas dribble would be good for us, expecting just a typical symphony. Mozart-ish perhaps. This album was powerful enough for us to stop in the midst of our Christmas and just sit and listen. At that time we had no idea that the composer was speaking about the loss and heartbreak of the Holocaust, but we could feel the raw sorrow and then the quiet peace of the music. It is still a tradition for us to sit around, listen, and reflect on Christmas Day. Somber, maybe, but the power of the music has always amazed us. And how better to physically feel how blessed we truly are than to once again feel the power of Gorecki's symphony. Plus, more than a decade later, we still cry and can appreciate the strength of the emotion he composed.

- Overwhelmingly beautiful

If you have experienced this masterpiece then you discovered how deeply music lives in our soul. If you listen to this and are not moved right to the core if your being, well then you probably have no soul. Too bad for you.

- The greatest Polish composer after Chopin! Epic.

The greatest album of the greatest Polish composer of the XXth century. Maestro Gorecki passed away, but his music is timeless.

- Awe Inspiring

I listened to this yesterday, the day after Gorecki's 74th birthday ( he is our high school philharmonic society's composer of the year). I thought this symphony was excellent, especially the 1st and 3rd movements. The 2nd was good, but it didn't grab my attention like the other two. I look forward to enjoying more of his work!

- Buy it

This album goes with me to the desert island.

- A must to your collection

Hauntingly beautiful and moving.

- Giredki-Symphony No3 By ohm-chi

Dawn Upshaw had to learn the words which must have been difficult. Since Gorceki is a perfectionist in his music she had to get it just right. For all the people that died in the in the Nazi extermination camps Goreski got it right the silence in the beginning represents to me all the silences of nations to this tragedy. More than pulsating droll more than flight of the soul it soars. Buy it you need in your collection of inspiritual music.

- One of the best pieces of music ever

I have been in love with this symphony for years. If you don't own it, I can't recommend it more. It is moving. Soothing. Tear jerking. And even healing. Each listen reveals something new to me.

- Meaning.

It is to memorialize Germany's invasion of Poland.

- Half Perfect

The instrumental sections of this work are superb, both in composition and performance. The continuous build of the first movement, in particular, is reminiscent of such moving instrumental works as Samuel Barber's Adagio from the Opus 11 String Quartet, or Vaughan Villiams' "Lark Ascending". However, each movement is then overpowered by the bombastic hystrionic wailing and yodeling of the "singing". Has this ever been performed as purely instrumental? That I would consider a masterpiece. This split-personality mashup, however, I find unlistenable.

- Breathtaking

Lento e largo is quite simply the most beautiful aria and Dawn Upshaw is flawless in this, its definitive version. No other recording captures the true spirit of this work like this Nonesuch recording. Accept no substitues.

- Every fan of music will enjoy Gorecki's third symphony

To try and summarize Gorecki's genius in Symphony No. 3 in a short review is futile. However, any music lover (with an ear for art music or not) will appreciate the work immensely. For casual listeners, the piece will feel very theatrical, building in intensity, almost film-like, but don't be deceived. Gorecki has so much going on it's deceptively simple which is why the astute classical listener also gives props to Gorecki and Upshaw in this work. No matter how many times I've listened, Dawn Upshaw's vocal performance soaring atop the simple string melody gives me chills without fail. NOTE: I would recommend that users try and find the liner notes (if downloaded here), as it'll take your appreciation of the piece to a whole new level. The secondary title to the Third Symphony is particularly poignant and meaningful.

- Epic.

This album was HUGE when it was released in 1991. Didn't it top the charts in England or something? In any case, I've been listening to this symphony for 15 years and I'm still coming to peace with it in many ways. (I'm just a casual listener of classical music, so I don't have the credentials to say everything that needs saying here, but I saw that nobody had written a review of it yet and figured I'd jump in.) I believe Gorecki's aim was to make emotional sense from the devastation of the Holocaust. He used a poem found etched in a bunkhouse wall at a Nazi death camp, addressed to the author's mother, as inspiration for this symphony. For years, the symphony remained obscure. But David Zinman fell in love with this work and in his hands, Gorecki's marvelous conveys a sense of loss, grief, redemption and hope. It's extemely powerful and everybody should listen to this at least once before they die. It's that good.

- Transcendental

Gorecki's 3rd Symphony can only be described as a work that transcends the boundaries of conventional music and becomes a piece associated with an entire era in human history, along with other such pieces (i.e. Christopher Rouse's Flute Concerto). This symphony is an embodiment of not only suffering but the love that binds all humans and ultimate triumph of those who have died at the hands of evil. This recording offers anyone access to one of the defining music compositions of the modern age. I highly recommend this, and anything else that this fine modern composer has written.

- Moving

Truly moving sounds here. This music is the wine filling the cup of silence

- Great Music!

I bought this back in 1993 by recomendation of several friends who hated classical, but loved Gorecki's music. Believe it or not we put our rock on hold for a few years and would sit back and listen to his Symphony No. 3. It opened us up to many more of the greats in Classical music.

- Masterpiece

I caught this at work one afternoon on NPR but came in after the work started, so I didn't know what it was. I ended up sitting at my desk right on through my break listening and wondering what this wonderful and totally unknown-to-me work was, making sure I caught the information when it ended. After work, I went straight to the nearest music store and snatched up the last copy. I was familiar with Dawn Upshaw and already respected her greatly, but Górecki was totally new to me. It's a haunting, moving and sometimes draining piece to listen to but bound to become one of the outstanding masterpieces of the 20th century.

- Wonderful and powerful

The Symphony No. 3 is a powerful testament to the human character. Dawn Upshaw has not only a strong, beautiful voice but a voice that carries emotion and meaning as well. This is THE recording of Gorecki's amazing, gorgeous, patient music.

- Music written for Auschwitz

One of the very best pieces ever created that can literally stir emotions and touch your soul. A perfect complement to an Auschwitz visit!

- Heart-Wrenchingly Spectacular. . . .

The first movement of Gorecki's symphony is one that I play for students in my Holocaust class every semester. While it would seem to be a stretch for non-musical students to sit through close to a half-hour of very classical music, they do so with no difficulty. Gorecki slowly builds to a swirling crescendo the opening instrumental section, Dawn Upshaw achingly presents the vocals, and Gorecki then decrescendos his listeners through the emotional output that he thrust upon us. Movements 2 & 3 are lyrically striking and profound, very affecting--one cannot help but be moved by the tragic situations (words engraved on a prison camp wall and a grieving mother's lament for her lost son). The language could "get in the way," but I find it a nice buffer. I am forced to read the lyrics in English, which makes them, in an odd way, more concrete and real. Upshaw has never sounded better, nor has Gorecki.

- Gorecki - Spiritual and Emotional

Written for the 50th anniversary concert of Hitler's invasion of Poland and the ensuing tragedies, Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No. 3 is a powerful, prayer-like setting of memories of those events. While considered a modern composer, the work is firmly rooted in the tonal world, often creating a mantra/meditative feel; the 1976 composition is as emotional today, as it was in its own time. The subtitle "Sorrowful Songs" is lost a little in the Polish translation, where the sense of "Wordless song", "prayer and exhortation", and "elegiac and redemptive lullaby" are qualities involved in the literal translation. The unique orchestration (4 flutes, 2 piccolos, 4 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 4 trombones, harp, piano, and full string ensemble) give a full, rich, intimate, chamber sound, but the beauty of a solo soprano voice adds to the absolute quality of the instruments. In three movements, each conveys a prayer in a contrasting, yet peaceful manner. Ingeniously, the 26-minute first movement is dominated simply by a canon; based on a folk song, the tune is taken up by the double-basses in low tessitura, and each voice enters at a fifth. It begins rather muddy in the lower voices, but, the gently shifting, repetitious nature, as well as the natural crescendo (achieved by adding instruments and increasing register) comes to a powerful climax, of which the movement ends the opposite by subtracting voices. 13 minutes into the opening movement, the mood changes from the kaleidoscopic motion of shifting strings, to full chords, piano attacks, and a prayer sung by soprano over huge, lush string chords. The effects of the first movement are intriguing and intense, but highly satisfying. The nine-minute second movement's text was found on the wall of Cell No. 3 in "The Palace", a Gestapo's headquarters in Zakopane, written by an 18-year old imprisoned in 1944. Lush minor chords open the movement with a rising motive. Exclamation of "Mama, mama, do not weep" referring personally and religiously, is heartbreaking. Again, thick and lush string ensemble chords dominate the texture, but rather than the ever-moving canon of the opening, long sustained, slowly-shifting chords support the pleas of the soprano soloist; the movement ends unresolved. Equally heart-wrenching is the text of the third movement; a mother who fears her son has died at the hands of the enemy, and is buried in an unknown land, asks God's flowers to cover and protect her son. The soprano melody is simple and seemingly folk-based, but more active and dramatic than the preceding movement; feelings of hopelessness and utter sorrow are sincerely portrayed with the endless shifting string chords, which seem more sounds of unearthly, or ancient chordal movements. The 17-minute final movement and the whole work ends in A major, full of hopefulness and a feeling that all of our prayers have been received with the genuine sincerity in which they have been given. David Zinman and the London Sinfonietta make this music sparkle, with a deep, velvety sheen. I do not feel that the work is overly sappy, but sincere and passionate performances. The sound is wonderfully resonant and speaks well; the orchestra plays magnificently and is captured well on recording. Dawn Upshaw is outstanding, both bright and luscious, she gives each movement a different mood, making the work a dramatic experience which unfolds, rather than a set of movements. David Zinman adds nothing that Gorecki doesn't ask for, and the composers' natural intent is given on this recording. Gorecki's music is engaging and in this case, broaches toward minimalism, rooted in tonality and modality, the prayer-like music never becomes boring or merely repetitious, but it all ends too soon. 15 years after the Zinman performance and 30 years after its composition, the work has an amazingly powerful statement and immense spirituality. A must-have recording.

- Amazing!

This IS a GOTTA-HAVE!

- Wow

I just listened to this whole cd, in the normal "Gorecki" fashion, on the floor with the lights out, and all I can say is wow. This is so moving.

- For Those Quiet Moments

I am not a particularly avid fan of classical music, but when I heard parts of this album, I had to inquire about it and then decided to purchase it. It is very special, soothing, sad, melancholy, and spiritual, all at the same time. Whether you listen to it in the quiet of the morning, at night with the snow falling, or before you fall asleep at night, you will not regret buying this album.

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- This is THE recording of the Gorecki third...

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- Stunningly powerful

I first heard this when a friend lent it to me in university. It was late when I got home and put it on, so I had earphones on, and had to sit at a not-entirely-comfortable angle in order to listen to it. This is relevant because I sat there, in that uncomfortable position, for the entire duration of this symphony, without a second thought to my discomfort. It is the most hauntingly beautiful piece of music I have ever heard, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's not exactly music you put on when you have company, or music you listen to on the bus, but if you have an hour to spare for just sitting and listening to some incredible music, this will captivate you. Another reviewer has already explained the background of the music, so I won't go into that. I just wanted to add another voice of support for this stunning and powerful piece of music.

- Intense. Divine.

Composed by Gorecki in 1976 “Symphony No. 3”, a.k.a. “Symphony of Sorrowful Songs,” Elektra released the recording on CD in 1992. It then gained immense popularity and interest, which is when I was introduced to it. 30 second iTunes previews are not going to help you here at all. Gorecki is classified as a minimalist composer (and a ‘holy minimalist’ one as well.) The music is more spare than traditional classical music and masterfully so. If you ask me, Gorecki was far ahead of his time when he composed this in 1976, i.e. the classical world didn’t really ‘get it’. In the first movement, it’s just the beautiful orchestra with a very slow build until the 13 minute mark when the soprano, Dawn Upshaw, comes in. She sings a 15th C. Polish lament (the ‘Holy Cross Lament’) of Mary, mother of Jesus. At roughly the 16:20 mark, be prepared for the mind-blowing range of the soprano as well as the unbelievable crescendo of the music. This piece is absolutely one of the most beautiful, breathtaking and powerful compositions in existence. If that sounds like too much, trust me, it’s not. The second movement is a prayer written on wall #3 of cell #3 of a Gestapo headquarters' prison-cell during World War II, by 18 year-old Helena (‘No, Mother, do not weep, / Most chaste Queen of Heaven / Support me always.’) Gorecki has explained that while the entire wall was covered in words, they all inscribed (not surprisingly) cries for help or calls for revenge. Yet here were Helena’s words: almost an apology, thinking only of her mother’s pain. Amazing music once again. Mid-way through, both the music and voice become optimistic: like sunshine, like hope. The third is a folk song of a mother searching for her son during an uprising. The lament is very sad and the music and soprano, in contrast, are again airy, uplifting. You do not need to be a classical music connoisseur (I’m certainly not) to appreciate these compositions. I go with what strikes me and what moves me. It remains an extremely powerful and timeless listen. This is a very worthy addition to any music collection.

- Dawn Upshaw and Gorecki a potent combination

Gorecki, a friend of the late Pope J2P2 offers a hauntingly beautiful evocation of the beauty of self giving love. A spiritual journey that is never maudlin or wrongly sentimental, but achingly beautiful. After 25 years as a minister I only wish I could preach the way Gorecki composes even just just once in my life. Gorecki shows where modern classical music can find its way into a new millenium without ugliness, atonalism or overly overt dissonance. I have listened to it again and again, and I have found great comfort in the music. I especially appreciate Dwn Upshaw's beautiful voice. She does not fall victim to a highly polished and painful perfection, but rather lets the music speak of deep sorrow and increadibe breathtaking beauty. An album to visit and revisit again and again. A desert Island disc to be sure.

- Amazing

I have this on cd with Yvonne Kenny, but wanted to add to my playlist, could not afford the Yvonne Kenny, this Dawn Upshaw is just ad amazing.

- THE DEFINITIVE VERSION

Stunningly beautiful, this recording may be approaching 20, but in the years since it was released I’ve never heard another recording of Gorecki’s signature work even come close to what this accomplishes. This is one of the most important classical recordings of all time.

- A bargain for what must be the definitive recording of this work

Upshaw excels with her haunting vocals and Zinman does a beautiful job coaxing the orchestra to bring forth these orchestral passages. And at this price on iTunes, one cannot find a better recording than this. Get it while you still can before the price goes up.

- The Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

Stunning. Dawn Upshaw's voice is incredible - such strength, flexibility and purity. But she never succumbs to that frustrating tendency of beautiful voices to wallow in their own sensuality. The music comes first, and somehow the beauty of the voice and the rich orchestral colours makes it all the more heartbreaking. The words are based on writings found on concentration camp walls: this isn't background music. I've had this album for years, but I haven't played the it many times - it is too gut-wrenching. But I don't need to. It is unforgettable.

- Winner

I can't believe this is only $3.99. Well worth it. A beautiful piece of music.

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- Speechless

This is undoubtedly the most moving piece of music I have ever heard. I first heard it in 1992 when a man that I loved very much introduced it to me when I was 17. It has stayed with me ever since. It will always remain my most treasured piece of music.

- So emotionally painful yet sublime

This Symphony of all the 500+ classical CD's that I own is the only one that brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes every time I listen to it... (once again as I write this). There is such sadness in the 2nd movement which continues into the 3rd, then a key change allows the music to ride to the heavens and sweet solice for those who have suffered then a slow and quiet close.... In spite of the sadness listending to this symphony is an amazingly uplifting and touching experience. Please read the words that underpin this truly great piece of music. And have a full box of tissues when you listen to it.

- symphony no.3 lento e largo

I have hunted high and low for this recording for many years. Thanks to itunes I am the proud owner of the most beautiful piece of music I have ever heard. Dawn Upshaw will make your heart ache and your veins tingle by the end of this most remarkable album.

- superb

beautiful music excellent for showing off the bass and the clarity of your stereo.

- Open this to a wider audience

I came across this album while looking for something not in its league!, i m not a classical listerner but this is pure class,listern to it & all your worries will fly away & the spirit of you will sore.

- Beyond Brilliant

This has reached me in ways that no other classical piece has. It's written from the heart not the mind. Just don't think about it, just listen and enjoy it. One reviewer said to turn up the bass, there are some bits with just low notes playing. I can only suggest that you turn up the volume. It's worth it, this is a wonderful piece of music.

- Haunting

I must admit that although I have heard the compositions on this albumn in many documentaries and films I had no idea who Gorecki was, however hearing part II Lento e Largo having come to it via the medium of You Tube, I have to say Wow. I totally see why, in 1992, when this was 'discovered' by the west it was an instant sensation. It is haunting, painful, but somehow also strong and ultimatley very moving. I beleive that the sporano on here is Dawn Upshaw and her voice is the perfect counter balance. Wonderful. Oh, and this is from a comitted RATM fan :)

- Breathtaking!

I was recommended this album by a friend and I am not disappointed. This is without doubt one of the most moving pieces of music i have heard. I challenge any person not to be awash with emotions after listening to this but just a warning don't do what i did and listen to it on the bus on the way to work, had to get off two stops early and compose myself!!! The history behind this piece is enough to inspire great admiration, but the composer has done so much more. Don't take my word for it try it out.

- Symphony no.3 Henryk Gorecki

Came across the 2nd movement of this symphony some years ago on an 'Eastern Europe' CD. Was straightaway hooked by the haunting music and the sublime Dawn Upshaw. Since then Gorecki has died and have learned of the background to his symphony. Makes it even more poignant and tear inducing. Should be in everyone's library.

- Beautiful

If you don't do classical or opera and stuff like that......neither do i in the most part, but i swear if you listen to 'Symphony no.3. II lento e largo (whatever) all the way through, your heart will fly. Verily i tell you....this could take you on a journey to heaven.

- Beautiful and stirring

When you consider the life of Gorecki and the struggle of his people during the WWII you get a sense of where this outstanding composition comes from! Emotional, heartwrenching and eventually uplifting, it takes you on a journey that we today can only thank that we never have to take for real! Dawn Upshaws voice sails........ but takes you to the very depths of despair before you get to the heights!

- great music

I am glad to read these great comments for great music. I was myself a few years ago at Mr Gorecki's anniversary of his composing work... just excellent experience when you see all the orchestra and hear to music which builds up.. you feel something inside your body - is your soul moving ??

- Pure beauty

I heard this for the fist time in 1992 lying in my bedroom whilst the morning sunrays shone through the open window. It just sounded so beautiful... and to think I was about to put on some Public Enemy.

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