Krzysztof Penderecki - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 (Antoni Wit)

Information

Composer: Krzysztof Penderecki

• Symphony No. 5
• Symphony No. 1

Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra

Antoni Wit, conductor

Date: 2000

Label: Naxos

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Review

Penderecki’s Symphony no. 5 is a significant advance over No. 3, which was presented in Vol. 1 of Naxos’ series devoted to the composer’s orchestral music. Here Penderecki has crystallized and refined his mature style. The Fifth is in one movement, yet commands attention throughout, its highly contrasted sections generating the excitement of watching a great work unfold. The dark introduction utilizes repeated notes to such a degree that it calls to mind the works of Giacinto Scelsi. An aggressive, high-intensity fugue that could have come from a Shostakovich string quartet follows. In fact, the spirit of Shostakovich informs much of this work, especially in the trio of the scherzo, where the orchestration and caustic waltz parody pay homage to the great Russian master. Shadows of Lutoslawski hover over the mighty extended climax that storms near the end of the work. But in truth, Penderecki has created his own musical language, accomplishing his goal of combining the traditional with the new, similar to what Mahler did in his time.

The Symphony No.1 is from the end of Penderecki’s earlier avant-garde period (1973). As such it features many of the experimental compositional devices that made him famous. What sounds like seven loud slaps (a flogging?) begin the first movement. Other curious percussion sounds join in to be followed by rapidly plucked strings and later the full orchestra. Penderecki creates an endless stream of novel and captivating orchestral effects, many of which have been imitated by other composers. In the fourth movement, for example, we hear the squealing woodwinds, tuba blasts, and yelping horns that would later be found in the scores of, for example, John Corigliano (especially his soundtrack to Altered States). Whether this type of music has staying power over time is hard to say, but there’s no denying it makes a powerful initial impact.

Antoni Wit once again has carefully prepared and masterfully performed his teacher’s challenging music, and the Polish Radio National Symphony is behind him 100 percent in every bar. Naxos’ sound is beautifully clear, full, and dynamic. At this price, don’t give it a second thought. Buy it.

— Victor Carr Jr

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Krzysztof Penderecki (23 November 1933 – 29 March 2020) was a Polish composer. After graduating from the Academy of Music in Kraków, he began teaching there and gained international recognition. His innovative compositions, characterized by experimental sonorities and distinctive orchestral techniques, include Threnody to the Victims of Hiroshima, St. Luke Passion, Anaklasis, Utrenja and Polish Requiem. His output also include 5 operas, 8 symphonies, concertos, chamber works and numerous choral compositions. Penderecki received many prestigious honors, including 4 Grammy Awards.

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Antoni Wit (born 7 February 1944) is a Polish conductor. Educated in conducting at the Academy of Music in Kraków and in Paris under Nadia Boulanger, he also holds a law degree from Jagiellonian University. Following success at the Herbert von Karajan Conducting Competition, he led major Polish orchestras, serving as director of the Warsaw Philharmonic from 2001 to 2013 and later as music director of Spain's Orquesta Sinfónica de Navarra. Wit has made over 200 records, earning numerous international awards, including a GRAMMY Award, for his acclaimed interpretations of Polish and classical repertoire.

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