Henryk Górecki remained virtually unknown outside musical circles until tonight's recording of the Symphony No. 3 swept the charts world-wide. The catch is, the symphony had been around for 15 years and had been recorded before, but it seemed no one was paying attention until 1992. Górecki himself was amazed at his sudden popularity; when asked to explain it, the composer replied that "perhaps people find something they need in this piece of music.. Somehow I hit the right note, something they were missing. Something, somewhere had been lost to them. I feel that I instinctively knew what they needed."
Comments [2]
Thank you so much for playing this song, tonight, Marcia - I tuned in part way through and was amazed to find a reflection on my thoughts tonight, which are on a young cousin who died three years ago on this day. The beautiful music, at times soaring, aching, and full of dread, perfectly captured what I'm feeling and was a great piece of therapy for me. I appreciate your introducing me to this wonderful symphony, and especially tonight.
I heard Gorecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs on Evening Music for the first time about 5 years ago I'd say. Heard it performed live last spring at BAM with Brooklyn Philharmonic and a singer not nearly of Dawn Upshaw's stature. BAM has the misguided idea that 'mixed media' presentations, i.e., live music with video, enriches truly great music like this. It's a pity. Truly great music has no trouble standing alone. Thanks for playing this beautiful music, which brings makes me want to weep.
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