Search - Joanna Kurkowicz :: Grazyna Bacewicz: Violin Concertos Nos. 1, 3, 7

Bacewicz at its best

Blanka Bednarz | Carlisle, PA | 09/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Intelligent, thoughtful, technically brilliant, imaginative, scintillating are only some of the adjectives that come to mind when one listens to Bacewicz's Concertos in Joanna Kurkowicz's rendition. Her new CD is one of conviction, palpable love for the works, undeniable understanding of Bacewicz and of both the Polish, and the cosmopolitan aspects of the concertos. Borowicz and the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra create lively, colorful, vibrant soundscapes, lyricism and strength when one is called for. Concertos 1, 3, and 7 constitute an entire compendium of Bacewicz's rich imagination and admirable range as a composer who be counted among the stars in the 20th-century Polish compositional "school"--a formidable group indeed. Brava to Joanna for bringing these concertos to the wider attention they deserve. She does this effortlessly, and in style. It has been a privilege to follow the course of Kurkowicz's development and career. She is a consummate artist unafraid of challenges, poised and polished. As evident in her recording output, she is also diverse and mindful of her audiences. She undertakes worthy and valuable projects, and makes an important contribution to the musical legacy of our times. I am looking forward to the release of the remaining concertos by Bacewicz by the artists on the disc hereby reviewed. The entire set is sure to constitute an irreplaceable collection for every violinist's and music lover.



Blanka Bednarz, violinist"