Lutoslawski's best
Homiski | 08/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a great fan of Lutoslawski's work. That said, Esa Pekka Salonen has assembled a great catalog and sample of Lutoslawski's compositional voice. This work includes the previously recorded 2nd symphony (from the middle period), and his early Concerto for orchestra (which sounds a little like the Bartok). In addition it has two recordings which can't be found elsewhere, his Fanfare for the LA Phil--a short explosive work for the orchestra (one of his last works), and his song cycle, Songflowers and Songfables, EXQUISITELy sung by Dawn Upshaw. If you are interested in something new that you might not have heard before in contemporary music, this would be a great intro to the world of Lutoslawski because of its synoptic programming. There are also the cheap-o NAXOS recordings of his symphonies which are okay, but believe me, Dawn Upshaw's voice will blow away any doubts you have!"