Symphony No.1 - Krzysztof Penderecki

Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit.

I - Arche I - (attacca): 0:00
II - Dynamis I - (attacca): 4:55
III - Dynamis II - (attacca): 18:42
IV - Arche II: 27:31

Penderecki's Symphony No.1 was composed in 1973, being commissioned by Perkins Engines Group, one of the best known gas engine manufacturers in Peterborough, as part of a series of Annual Industrial Concerts. It was premiered on July 19 of that year, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer. Penderecki claimed that the work was the culmination of his avant-garde phase, which had reached its conclusion.

The work is divided in four continuous movements, being sonoristic in nature. Sonorism fundamentally redefines the approach to music composition. The ever-present element of colour and sound becomes absolute. The so-called "pure sound", based on new material (especially on non-traditional articulations and textures), becomes a factor which defines and governs all sound processes and all aspects of a work of music. The symphony, through the avoidance of any pitch-defined material, eliminates any convention from harmony or melody.

The first movement begins with seven strikes of the slapstick. Other percussion instruments and pizzicato strings gradually join in as the music gains momentum until reaching a massive climax. Then a repetitive march figure appears on the low string. Wailing glissandos of the string lead us to a series of A notes, held menacingly by the horns, which leads us to the next part.

The second movement is the longest of the work, being the slow part of the work. Despite interjections from upper strings, brass and percussion, the note A remains a fixed presence on the musical landscape. The wood makes its first interventions in a contained way and then its strength increases. A lyrical "theme" of a phantasmagorical abstract nature seems to want to dominate the situation. It is interrupted by the intervention of pizzicati and clusters of wind and percussion. Strings effect a gradual climax, before coalescing around A and a prolonged fade-out.

The third movement is the symphony's scherzo. Robust chords of the strings in the form of a march, murmurs, dynamic interventions of the percussion, form a movement that is sometimes boisterous and at times playful. A series of abrupt silences stops the music. After the intervention of the strings in pizzicati, the climax begins. Frantic blows from the timpani and bass drum accompany the excitement of wood and metal. After a marked pause, the low string returns to the initial march figure.

The fourth movement begins with the note A, sustained by the strings. Motifs from the beginning of the work appear as spectral reminiscences, supported by percussion beats. The symphony fades out through a series of A notes on the double basses. Percussion, like the voice of a rattlesnake, closes the piece.

Picture: "Soldier at a Game of Chess" (1914-5) by the French painter Jean Metzinger.

Sources: https://bit.ly/3ZUJjJt and https://bit.ly/3XLasN8 and https://bit.ly/3GZ5fKT

To check the score: https://bit.ly/3H0EZ2B

Видео Symphony No.1 - Krzysztof Penderecki канала Sergio Cánovas