Symphonies Nos.1, 2 : Gergiev / London Symphony Orchestra (Hybrid)

Valery Gergiev explores the intense expression, fervor and spirituality of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski with his first recording of the composer's Symphonies Nos.1 & 2. for decades, Szymanowski's music was rarely heard outside Poland. Today, he is recognized as one of Poland's greatest musical figures. These first two symphonies, both unconventional in style and format, make for an enthralling listening experience and provide insight into Szymanowski's ecstatic musical character. His first symphony is drenched in evocative Romanticism and is an extremely powerful and emotionally intense composition. His second, a chamber-like work, artfully interweaves layer upon layer of seemingly disparate musical ideas to form a complex tapestry that became one of the composer's favorite of his own works.