Zygmunt NOSKOWSKI (1846-1909)
Orchestral Works - Volume 2
Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Elegijna”, (1875 -79) [33.17]
Odglosy pamiątkowe (Commemorative sounds) (1904-05) [11.28]
Variations in E minor on an original theme (before 1883) [7.40]
Łukasz Borowicz (conductor)
Polska Orkiestra Radiowa
rec. Lutosławski Concert Studio, Polish Radio, Warsaw, March 2009
STERLING CDS1093-2 [52.57]
This is the second in a series of Noskowski recordings
from the enterprising Sterling Classics. Volume 1 (CDS1083-2) includes
the First Symphony and Volume 3 (CDS1101-2), the Third. Such interest
is justified as he was a major figure in Polish musical life, not simply
because of his own (impressive) music but his influence on others. Szymanowski
was one of his pupils. Each of the CDs has more minor works as fillers.
In many respects, Symphony No 2, recorded here, is more impressive than
the First: tauter in its ideas and somehow more confident. It has elements
of national flavour, and what might be dismissed as yet another example
of nineteenth century light-from darkness structure. But to leave it
at that would be to be unjust to vigorous and confident writing. The
inspiration may well have been the failed anti-Tsarist uprising of 1863,
and the most significant movement is the Andante Elegia, here
placed third, a noble and expressive utterance, sometimes funereal,
with moments of something close to despair, despite some achingly beautiful
moments. The ability to sustain such a mood across almost ten minutes,
without loss of intensity, is remarkable.
The first movement has a darkness of its own, especially in the rather
tentative opening (marked Moderato misterioso) and overall
minor mode, despite some more excited music, notably in the coda. The
second movement is a vivacious krakowiak-as-scherzo, but descends into
something more sombre. Perhaps the weakest movement is the finale, more
superficially heroic (and apparently written first) than the others,
in which some themes seem a bit conventional, yet there is much worth
following. Perhaps the very peremptoriness of some of the ideas is appropriate
given the overall mood of the symphony, recalled atmospherically about
halfway through this movement, about four minutes from the beginning.
The other two works on the CD are less significant, though not without
their own beauties. Odglosy pamiątkowe is the more interesting
of the two, from late in Noskowski’s career, based on arrangements
of Polish songs and marches. There is a patriotic flavour but also an
enjoyment of different instrumental possibilities. Continual reference
to military success characterises most of the pieces. The very first
piece is based on a polonaise written by Tadeusz Kościuszko, hero
not only of Poland and Lithuania but also of the American Revolutionary
War.
The seven variations of Variations in E minor on an original theme
are well-made but usually too brief to make much impression. Only the
last two are more than a minute long.
Performances are committed and thoughtful.
Michael Wilkinson
Previous review:
Rob Barnett
