Lutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra / Szymanowski: Symphony No. 3 / A. Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4

The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra's latest release features three works deeply dear to Jansons' heart. Each piece is colorful and exotic, yet also imbued with a message of peace. Lutosławski's "Concerto for Orchestra" is based on Polish folk music, but the composer's completely new approach gives it an avant-garde quality. It's a must-have for orchestra lovers, as it also highlights the influence of Bartók. Szymanowski's "Symphony No. 3" is a grand piece featuring chorus, tenor soloist, and violin soloist. Drawing on 13th-century Persian mystical poetry, it blends unique harmonies with explosive acoustics, making it one of the masterpieces of the early 20th century. Alexander Tchaikovsky is not related to the famous "Tchaikovskys." Born in Moscow in 1946, he studied piano with Naumov and composition with Khrennikov at the Moscow Conservatory until 1972. His style is neoclassical, and he primarily composed piano pieces, but recently he has also been working on many orchestral works such as this one. This Symphony No. 4 includes chorus and viola solo. At the request of renowned viola player Yuri Bashmet, the viola part was given greater importance, and the choral passages are imbued with deep emotion, creating a "prayer for peace."

October 8-9, 2009: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra...1-3; December 18-19, 2008: Munich Philharmonic Orchestra...4-6; January 14-16, 2009: Munich Herkulessaal...7. All recordings are live.