The National Philharmonic in Warsaw has released a new album – Szymanowski Reimagined (FN 08/ACD 330), featuring outstanding violinist Bartłomiej Nizioł and the National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Andrzej Boreyko. Transporting listeners on a fascinating journey through varied musical landscapes, the album contains some of the most interesting piano compositions by Karol Szymanowski, as presented in their fully orchestral versions.
Musicologist Danuta Gwizdalanka describes these varied landscapes in her essay: “the fascinating and diverse musical worlds of Karol Szymanowski: a youthful world full of ecstasy, and two emotionally more restrained but musically richer worlds, created almost two decades later – one woven from subtle sonorities, the other filled with enigmatic tales.” The track listing includes: Etude in B-flat minor, Op. 4 No. 3 (arr. in 1942 by Grzegorz Fitelberg), Myths Op. 30 (arr. in 1991 by Willem Strietman), and Masques, Op. 34 (arr. in 1985 by Jan Krenz).
Szymanowski Reimagined is not only a tribute to Szymanowski’s genius, but also a bold and innovative interpretation of his works. Arranging piano music for the orchestra expands the range of colors and unveils new emotions, sound colors and depth of his music.
The album was recorded on June 5-10, 2023 in the concert hall of National Philharmonics and released in January 2024. Audio editing and mastering was done by Andrzej Sasin and Aleksandra Nagórko.
[Source: filharmonia.pl]