Valery Gergiev explores the intense expression, fervour and spirituality of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937) with his first recording of the early symphonies on LSO Live.

Karol Szymanowski is emerging as one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century, with the sheer opulence and exotic sensuousness of his music winning over an increasingly wide audience. His First Symphony displays a youthful musical vision besotted with high-Romanticism and mysticism. His Second occupies similar territory, its passion channelled into soaring violin lines and chamber textures. Both make for an enthralling listening experience.

Valery Gergiev says of this project; ‘Szymanowski not only deserves to be widely heard and recognised, but his music also gives us a tremendous opportunity to understand better the development of classical music through the Twentieth Century.’

Composer Szymanowksi
Conductor Valery Gergiev
Performers London Symphony Orchestra

Symphony No. 1
1. I. Allegro patetico
2. II. Finale Allegretto con moto. Grazioso

Symphony No. 2
3. I. Allegro Moderato. Grazioso
4. II. Theme
5. III. Variation I
6. IV. Variation II
7. V. Variation III
8. VI. Variation IV
9. VII. Variation V
10. VIII. Finale Introduction – Variation VI
11. IX. Finale – Fugue

Release date 3 June 2013
LSO0731 | 822231173120

Producer James Mallinson
Engineers Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded live at the Barbican, September & October 2012

DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording
Notes in English / en français / auf Deutsch

FLAC - 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and Android devices
MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibility
SACD - Compatible with all CD players