Witold LUTOSLAWSKI (1913-1994)
Orchestral Works - IV
Symphony No. 1 (1941-47) [24:36]
Partita (1988) [16:45]**
Chain 2 (1984-85) [19:18]
Preludia taneczne (1955) [9:49]*
Michael Collins (clarinet)*
Tasmin Little (violin)**
BBC Symphony Orchestra/Edward Gardner
rec. 2-3 April (Symphony No. 1 and Preludia taneczne) and 3 July 2013, Watford Colosseum, England
CHANDOS CHSA5108 SACD [71:02]
This is the final volume of what has become a five CD survey of Witold Lutoslawski’s
music, witness to an increasingly confusing system as it is marked as volume
six of Chandos’s Polish Music series; the unaccounted fifth Lutoslawski
volume being that with his vocal music (see review),
so falling outside the numbered canon of orchestral volumes, and volume five
of the Polish set being one with works by Szymanowski (see review).
With this being Lutoslawski’s centennial it has to be expected that
the classical labels will bring out come celebratory releases. I happened
to have the two CD set from Sony Classical 88765440832 which brings Esa-Pekka
Salonen’s Los Angeles symphonic cycle to a conclusion with a new recording
of the Symphony No. 1. This is a very good recording and performance
with some elements of added excitement over Edward Gardner’s BBC Symphony
Orchestra recording, but in the end I do have to come down on the side of
Gardner. Lutoslawski’s Symphony No. 1 is a relatively up-beat
work, which might be something of a surprise considering what was happening
in Poland at the time of its composition. Gardner might be a little less wild
and edgy in the outer movements, but his ear for detail, a feature of all
these Chandos releases, brings out colours and associations which you might
have missed in other versions. There are a myriad of allusions in this work,
some possibly unconscious, others perhaps deliberate, but you can spot the
lush romanticism of Szymanowski amongst the chill of Bartók in the
second movement, the elegant neo-classicism of Stravinsky amidst the punchy
narrative of the Allegretto misterioso and perhaps the narrative pace
of Prokofiev in the final Allegro vivace. No, this symphony is not
a patchwork of external influences, but with such a rich tapestry of orchestration
and an intense musical ride on top of a superbly designed tonal torpedo it
is inevitable that we’re going to pick up all kinds of little flags
on the way, and Gardner waves them all like the expert puppet-master he has
proved himself to be. This is as vibrant and engaging a performance of this
symphony as I have ever heard on record, so we’re off to a good start.
Any recording of the Partita has to go up against that of Anne-Sophie
Mutter on Deutsche Grammophon, conducted by the composer. The timings for
this compared to Tasmin Little and Gardner are as close as makes no difference,
and in another keenly observed performance I have to say I’m not entirely
sure if this is heresy, but I think I prefer this Chandos recording. The DG
‘original’ is a classic of course, but this team has a way of
giving the music some extra oomph which makes it even more impressive. Little’s
little glissandi and her dynamic expression give the piece a motivating drive
which is quite compelling, and the orchestral support is a music-for-musicians
feast of refined style and quiet energy - contrasts of dark and light creating
an acute sense of mystery and at times cinematic drama. A similar story could
be woven around this recording of Chain 2. The timings are a touch
longer here and there in this case, but with a score riddled with markings
of Ad libitum this is perhaps more to be expected. Again, Tasmin Little
is urgent and emotionally engaged with the piece from beginning to end, linked
inextricably to striking moments of orchestral beauty which can bring you
to your knees, or sections with violence which can have you cowering into
your comfy club-style armchair. Mutter is somewhat more parlando in
her approach to this score, but Little is every bit as communicative, creating
for instance a genuine sense of tragic lament in the initial stages of the
second Ad libitum, and responding with fearsome technique to the demands
of a remarkably intense work.To my ears this performance generates
a closer synergy between soloist and orchestra, and therefore creating a more
satisfying musical experience. The Partita and Chain 2 were
also part of Lutoslawski’s final concert by the way, released by Naxos
and also worth having in its own right (see review),
though not as a first choice.
After all that gripping furioso violin we deserve a bit of a break,
and the Dance Preludes with their folk-style derivations deliver. These
pieces are of course deceptive in their sprightly rhythmic and melodic charm,
and if you can listen between the barlines there is plenty of toughness, turbulence
and tragedy to be found. Michael Collins is soloist par excellence, extracting
all of the wit and pungency from these tremendous little masterpieces. Picking
out the Antoni Wit Naxos alternative (see review),
you can hear how important the soloist’s colour is in the communication
of the light and joy in these pieces - Zbigniew Kaleta is very good, but his
less perky tone can’t lift the opening Allegro molto in the way
Collins does, and there is a deal less contrast further on as well - it’s
all a bit gloomy with Wit’s team, where the BBC/Collins alliance generate
another highly satisfying roller-coaster ride full of character and zing.
With this release, Chandos and Edward Gardner can look back on a series of
recordings which has to be considered a worthy new reference in some of the
best music the 20th century has to offer. Each new Lutoslawski
release has been a highlight over the last few years, and this volume is every
bit up to standard. The SACD and stereo sound layers are both rich, full and
detailed, delivering plenty of the sonic spectra demanded of these pieces,
from the spectacular First Symphony to the atmospheres and subtle brushstrokes
of the Partita and Chain 2. Balance between soloists and orchestra
is realistic, and I have no complaints … other than this being the last
one.
Dominy Clements
A fine conclusion to a distinguished series.
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