Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a Polish composer who wore many hats. Besides being an expert concert pianist and music teacher, he also managed to become the first prime minister of the newly independent Poland in 1919. His music is tonal and very Romantic, but it is also heavily influenced by the great European composers of the era. You will particularly hear shards of Elgar, Delius, and Bax. Listen even closer, and you'll even hear Nielsen and Sibelius floating in the background. Paderewski's Symphony in B minor owes much to the way Anton Bruckner structured his symphonies, but there is much less aimlessness and wandering about here. Recommended, especially if you are following the evolution of the symphony as it enters the 20th century. --Paul Cook
Paderewski: Symphony in B Minor / Maksymiuk, et al, Music, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Glasgow BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic
Average customer rating: 
|
Paderewski: Symphony in B Minor / Maksymiuk, et al
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra , and Jerzy Maksymiuk Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  Romantic
| Symphonies
| Forms & Genres
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Symphonies
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
General
| Classical
| Styles
| Music
Classical
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00000G3ZC Release Date: 1998-11-24 |
Tracks:
Amazon.com
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a Polish composer who wore many hats. Besides being an expert concert pianist and music teacher, he also managed to become the first prime minister of the newly independent Poland in 1919. His music is tonal and very Romantic, but it is also heavily influenced by the great European composers of the era. You will particularly hear shards of Elgar, Delius, and Bax. Listen even closer, and you'll even hear Nielsen and Sibelius floating in the background. Paderewski's Symphony in B minor owes much to the way Anton Bruckner structured his symphonies, but there is much less aimlessness and wandering about here. Recommended, especially if you are following the evolution of the symphony as it enters the 20th century. --Paul CookCustomer Reviews:
More of a vast tone poem than symphony.......2004-12-23
A compendium of early 20th century music.......2001-05-30
Where I think he goes off base is comparing it to Bruckner in construction. Bruckner built cathedrals of sound that rose to higher and higher spiritual levels. Paderewski seems more interested in mood painting. There are many lovely episodes amid the 74+ minutes of this piece. However, it does wander around a bit...and in fact, it takes a while to actually get going. A more accurate comparison for this piece might be Gliere's "Ilya Murometz" symphony, although this has a lot more musical content than that glossy showpiece.
Regardless, it's an entertaining and fascinating symphony to listen to and would serve as a pleasant break from the deluge of Mahler that plagues our concert halls. Paderewski isn't into the hair pulling of Mahler. Instead, he seems to want to give us a glorious travel log of Poland.
This performance is the first complete recording of the score that hasn't come from a Polish source. It is colorfully played and spaciously recorded, although I sense a bit of distance from the orchestra. Perhaps it could use a little more Slavic passion. Still, it's hard not to wallow in the glorious sounds one hears and perk up with delight as the ear hears yet another echo of a 20th century master. It's certainly an enjoyable way to spend an evening.
Music Review:
Music Review
Beethoven/Mozart: Orchestral Works
The Complete Blue Note & Pacific Jazz Recordings [Box set]
Can't Stop Dancing V.5 [Import]
Continuing Story of Counterpoint Parts 1 & 3
Breda Reactor [Original recording remastered]
Corridos Mas Torones [Explicit Lyrics]