Gorecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces of music that I have ever heard. I always seem to gravitate to the second of the three movements but the entire symphony is gorgeous. Instantly, I am transported to a place of pain and longing and I find it impossible to listen to this without crying.
Gorecki has brilliantly written
empathetically. When I heard this, I wondered immediately what the soprano was singing about as it is written in German. My gut reaction was that there was some sort of trauma because of the angst in the melody. I love when music requires no explanation to be understood. However, it was not at all surprising to discover that this movement was based on a inscription found on the wall of a Gestapo's prison cell written by an 18 year old female prisoner.
I believe the below video explains it all. The German has been translated for you. It is powerfully eerie. You may find it difficult to watch and if so, listen with your eyes closed. I am reminded how grateful I am for my life and opportunities.
Sorry Mr. Gorecki for not getting the accent over the "o" of your name. Not sure how to do that with the keyboard. I mean no disrespect.
I agree - this song is so so moving. I find it very easy to translate the feeling from this piece of music into my own emotions. Listening to this song on my own produces an incredibly visceral reaction for me- gut wrenching and purely emotional. Listening to it with a large number of people (Lepage's opening of 'Lipsynch') produces even bigger chills. Gorecki -- you have the most amazing talent and insight into human emotions that I have ever 'heard'.
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