This double album of choral music, composed and conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki (born Poland, 1933), spans nearly half a century. The earliest piece, the Stabat Mater (1962), uses experimental vocal techniques and ends with a bright surprise: a G major chord on the word “Gloria”. It is characteristic of Penderecki’s mixing of styles, embracing early chant to 12-tone in any way he fancies. While the music may not be easy, it’s full of emotional generosity and has an unstinting quality of devotion, much of it written in a dark period of Polish history. There are no texts. The notes provide just enough guidance. Otherwise just listen. Uplifting and moving.
