Record Reviews

EWA LIEBCHEN ~ GOODNIGHT MR. GORECKI BOLT 1705 (Barcode: 5902547017051) ~ POLAND ~ Classical Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Polish flautist Ewa LiebchenFind albums by this artist accompanied by pianist Emilia Karolina SitarzFind albums by this artist, soprano singer Barbara Kinga MajewskaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Hubert ZemlerFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, most of the music was composed by the great Polish Classical Composer Henryk GoreckiFind albums by this artist, including three of his pieces focusing on flute, and one piece composed by Zemler. The opening track (“Valentine Piece” from 1996) is a solo flute miniature originally composed as a gift to famous American flautist Carol VincencFind albums by this artist, who commissioned Gorecki’s most famous flute piece (“Concerto-Cantata” from 1992). The second track (“For You, Anne-Lill” from 1986) is a duet for flute and piano composed with the Norwegian flautist Anne-Lill ReeFind albums by this artist in mind, whom Gorecki met a couple of years earlier. This composition started Gorecki’s love affair with the flute, which blossomed in the 1990s. The next three tracks (“Good Night” from 1990) is a tripartite mourning meditation for flute, piano, soprano voice and percussion composed in memory of the British Arts Administrator Michael VynerFind albums by this artist. The last track (“Good Luck” from 2020) was composed by the prolific contemporary Polish percussionist / composer Hubert Zemler, featuring the same instrumentation as “Good Night” and based on its atmosphere and musical direction. Although originally intended as an improvised piece, to be performed at the concert promoting this album, which of course was eventually cancelled due to the pandemic, it was decided to write the music down for the studio recording. The music is of course absolutely marvelous from start to finish, with the delicate flute in the centerpiece of the minimalist atmosphere, with the notes floating delicately like autumn leaves. Deeply melancholic, often heartwrenching and always deeply moving, the music is totally fascinating and its sparingness only amplifies the overall effect. Zemler’s composition fits the rest of the material just perfectly and I can only congratulate Ewa on her decision to include it on this album. The performances are all superb, featuring the virtuosic flute parts by Liebchen impeccably supported by the rest of the team. In such intense playing and almost naked environment every little nuance matters of course and the splendid sound quality lets the listeners hear absolutely everything in perfectly audible form and shape. The album’s cover art features the work of the great Witold PopielFind albums by this artist, which as usual suits perfectly the spirit of this entire project. Overall this is a wonderful album, full of beautiful and deeply moving music, superbly performed by first class musicians, emphasizing the best in contemporary Polish / European music aesthetics and dedication to Art. The unusual concept and the mind-expanding subject matter makes it a true feast to the ears as much as to the mind and soul. Thank you, My Lady, for undertaking this challenging task and providing us with another glance at your amazing abilities as an Artist!

Updated: 30/01/2021Posted: 30/01/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend