KRZYSZTOF PENDERECKI - 'Kosmogonia'

R.I.P. Krzysztof Penderecki (1933-2020). An utter genius. We were humbled to put "Kosmogonia" out in 2017.



CSR238CD (31 July 2017)
CD in digipak. Sold out.
Barcode: 0641871744947



Unnerving, intense, bloodcurdling, sinister, dramatic - the music of "Kosmogonia" features Penderecki's famous, unorthodox instrumental techniques, and some of the darkest music ever composed.

Hailed by The Guardian as "Poland's greatest living composer", Krzysztof Penderecki is the maestro behind the unforgettable, disturbing music on The Shining (including 'De Natura Sonoris II', featured here). A complex tapestry of sound with striking use of pizzicato and flexatone, with aggressive barrages from brass and percussion, dissonant woodwind chords, spoken and hissing sounds, fervent strings, swirling organ, climactic choral and solo vocals.

Krzysztof Penderecki's unique music has featured in films such as: The Shining, The Exorcist, Children Of Men, The People Under The Stairs, Shutter Island, Inland Empire, Fearless, Wild At Heart, and recently featured on the Twin Peaks reboot.

Thanks to the estate of Krzysztof Penderecki, Cold Spring are honoured to present this masterpiece in digital format for the first time since the 1974 vinyl release. Sympathetically remastered for CD by Denis Blackham and Martin Bowes. Digipak.

Track listing:

1. Kosmogonia (18:47)
2. De Natura Sonoris II (9:31)
3. Anaklasis (7:36)
4. Fluorescences (17:37)

Reviews

"It is not difficult to see what attracts filmmakers to use music like this for their movies; especially those of the horror genre. Building towards a mighty crescendo, then letting all hell break loose to bring it all back home on a gentle note... This is not some easy listening modern classical music but nothing less than a total experience" (Vital Weekly)

"The power of certain choral parts and the magnitude of swelling, climactic instrumental builds has been given a new life. This is not music for casual listeners; these pieces of music are four unique experiences that are worth your full attention... a treasured piece of Polish history" (Heathen Harvest)

"A piece that deserves many more performances, and should be part of the repertoire of every orchestra worth their salt... One of the main masterpieces of the 20th C. that pretty much nobody knows about." (9/10, Norman Records)

"The epic arrangements reinforce the drama recovering the music... It not only gives you the impression of a sonic labyrinth, but it’s one without an exit... you literally feel imprisoned in a strange music universe, which probably explains why Penderecki has been asked to composed the music for the aforementioned movies... it will for sure ravish music lovers in search of 'cult' movie soundtracks." (Side-Line)

"Perhaps the prevalent use of Penderecki in horror film soundtracks is a testament to the disturbing nature of his work... [Kosmogonia] effectively encapsulates an aural descent into Hell, each minute more terrifying than the last like an audible Dante's Inferno." (Big Takeover)

"...there is little reason to doubt the caliber of this release...  the pieces display huge variations in dynamics and power, creative and always engaging... The remastered recording sounds clear, warm and natural.Recommend to anyone who wishes to dabble in the darker and more challenging aspects of classical music". (Midlands Metalheads)