Ullman: Symphonies nos 1 & 2

Albrecht, Gerd;
Brussels Philharmonic

GCDSA 922208

Nakład wyprzedany, ostatni egzemplarz

The two symphonies on this recording were actually born as Piano Sonatas that Ullmann had intended to eventually transcribe into orchestral works, but he died before doing that. Eventually the composer/conductor Bernhard Wulff orchestrated and reconstructed them, and these are the versions recorded here. The Symphony No. 1 (From my youth) shows a composer with an easy flow of ideas, with concise and economical use of motivic material, laid out over five short movements with a rhythmic agility similar to mature Stravinsky and an optimistic outlook that betrays his daily existence. Symphony No. 2 or should I say Piano Sonata No. 7, is the last piece of music that Ullmann finished prior to being transfered to Auschwitz where he was executed. Besides the lyrical and sad Adagio it is still a rather up-tempo work considering the conditions it was created in. It demonstrates a composer well in control of his ideas and a master at blending various strands together to form a cohesive whole. These are not groundbreaking or revelatory symphonic works, but they demonstrate and reinforce the resilience of the human spirit.

SACD

Muzyka klasyczna

Glossa

25-05-2010

8424562222083