Witold Lutosławski - The Essential Lutosławski (Various Artists)

Information

Composer: Witold Lutosławski

CD1

• Symphony No. 3
• Concerto for orchestra
• Venetian Games
• Variations on a theme by Paganini

CD2

• Cello Concerto
• Dance Preludes
• Concerto for oboe, harp and chamber orchestra
• Les espaces du sommeil
• Funeral Music

Martha Argerich & Nelson Freire, piano

Heinrich Schiff, cello

Eduard Brunner, clarinet

Heinz Holliger, oboe / Ursula Holliger, harp

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Witold Lutosławski, conductor

Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra / Witold Rowicki, conductor

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Witold Lutosławski, conductor

Compilation: 1999

Label: Philips

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Witold Lutosławski (25 January 1913 – 7 February 1994) was a Polish composer and conductor. Educated in Warsaw, he initially drew inspiration from Polish folk music, gaining international recognition with works such as Concerto for Orchestra (1954). From the late 1950s, he developed innovative compositional techniques involving controlled aleatoricism, carefully structured musical materials and distinctive harmonic systems. Despite political pressure under postwar Stalinist rule, Lutosławski maintained his artistic independence. His major works include four symphonies, concertos and chamber compositions.

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Heinrich Schiff (18 November 1951 – 23 December 2016) was an acclaimed Austrian cellist and conductor. Trained with André Navarra and Hans Swarowsky, he debuted internationally in 1971 and performed with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide, such as Claudio Abbado and Simon Rattle. Schiff championed modern composers such as Luciano Berio and Krzysztof Penderecki while maintaining a distinguished conducting career. His award-winning recordings, especially of Bach and Shostakovich, earned widespread critical acclaim. Schiff also mentored prominent cellists including Gautier Capuçon and Jan Vogler.

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Witold Rowicki (26 February 1914 – 1 October 1989) was a Polish conductor. He studied at the Kraków Conservatory and made his conducting debut in 1933. After World War II, he helped re-establish the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra and later led the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, significantly enhancing its reputation. He also held key posts with the Kraków Philharmonic and Bamberg Symphony. Known for his disciplined and dynamic interpretations, Rowicki was particularly acclaimed for his recordings of Brahms and Dvořák. He also championed modern Polish music, premiering works by Lutosławski and recording many others.

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