I was terribly disturbed, yet entranced. Caught up in a celestial realm of heaven, yet with some sort of romantic darkness. This is the soundtrack to my life. I am proud to be Polish. Thank you Henryk. You passed this earth but not before you composed the sounds of other worlds. RIP.
This is my favorite movement in the symphony. Its orchestration is just so cathartic, even after the soloist is done. There is so much emotion in every part of this piece.
"My son chosen and chaste, Let your mother share your wounds. And since, my dear son, I have always kept you in heart, And loyally served you, speak to your mother, make her happy. Though, my dear hope, you are leaving me."
I always get emotional listening to this masterpiece, but I had no idea about the lyrics. Thank you so much for posting, by an unfortunate coincidence, my mother faces an aggressive cancer, I was reading your post, which made me cry, not a cry of sadness, but a cry for all the good things I lived with her.
Rest in Peace,Henryk.In life we can take moments and you have given something that allows me every now and then to enter a place where nothing else matters only the absolute intensity of every emotion that I can possibly comprehend.Thank you,thank you.
Haunting beautiful is what comes to mind. I first heard a segment of this piece while watching the movie "Fearless", and had to have it. I ended up buying the the Fearless film score CD. I now have over twenty six minutes of this astounding meditative work. I never tire of listening to it. By the way, the lead actor In Fearless was Jeff Bridges. I truly feel that he was robbed of an academy award for his over the top, brilliant performance. A great movie for those who haven't seen it. What more can I say.
Perfect title. Symphony of Sorrowful songs. This music describes sadness and sorrow perfectly. I wish I could transcribe my emotions on paper as well as Gorecki. Too beautiful. Can't stop crying too.
My son, my chosen and beloved Share your wounds with your mother And because, dear son, I have always carried you in my heart, And always served you faithfully Speak to your mother, to make her happy, Although you are already leaving me, my cherished hope. (Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery from the "Lysagóra Songs" collection. Second half of the 15th century)
I loved that movie and it’s musical score so much that I watched the ending credits very closely, and then fortunately discovered the full Gorecki Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. It’s a beautifully devastating piece of music, but it’s so lovely that it’s expression of grief is transformative.
One of the most powerful pieces of music to be written. And given the inspiration you will surely know why. A journey into despair.....the evilness of man unto his fellow man.
Wow, powerful music, I didn't even know classical music was still being composed, I thought it was all from 100's of years ago. Nice to know. Looked him up on wikipedia and saw he recently died, and I can see the sadness many of you express. May the worms that burrow have a special feast for this guy.
I agree! I put classical music on when my students R drawing, they R captives to what they will not otherwise give any heed. I think it will sink in at some point, a few at least demonstrate curiosity. Music has kept me nourished and in good company as I make art for many years now. I owe it so much!
@greatsea It struck me too that way for a time. I believe this is a piece that is not to be analyzed like that, but felt. It's heartfelt, singular in vision, and unashamed of what it is, and as such I've come to appreciate it.
Nos plus grandes douleurs ont accouché de nos plus belles musiques à nous êtres humains . Maudits soyons nous tous autant que nous sommes d avoir souiller ainsi le don qui nous a été fait . Plus jamais cela ....plus jamais .
@lanzfriszt Dear Lanzfriszt, Thank you so much for your recommendation of Arvo Part. His music touches the most tender of our emotional souls. Listening to his Fur Alise song, and this song simultaneously, at the beginning at least, is almost too much to bear.
Came backtracking from Deadmau5's remix of Hybrid's 'Finished Symphony' to Hybrid's original version to this! Music can put you on an incredible journey - and it all happens in your ears/head 😮❤
Most people have only heard the 2nd movement, which, though great, taken on its own does not do justice to the whole symphony. As many have said, you have to hear the whole piece to truly appreciate the beauty and depth of what has to be one of the most understated classical pieces of our time.
@leasung Time truly determines what stands as a work of art. I'm certain that his Symphony of Sorrowful Songs will count as one. About the elitists who mock him, the same has been the case of composers highly regarded now. For example, J. S. Bach was mocked as passe by his own sons, Mozart made fun of other composers, and Stravinsky under-rated Vivaldi's prolific 500 concerti.
This piece was meant to be in absolut opposition to the common serialism of the 60ies. You just have to imagine how the effect should have been in those years: all the broken, divided and calculated sound systems of the serial music, and suddenly something like this enters the world. Must have been overwhelming. And it's still overwhelming...
I'm really ashamed that I didn't hear about this song sooner and that it took me a videogame trailer for me to find this. It's beautiful, but it's also haunting, and really captures the sorrowful aspect that the title points out.
May he rest in peace. Gorecki, Penderecki and Lutoslawski enriched the world of art music in every possible way, Poland can be proud of its musical innovators. And just to end the silly "dissonance"-discussions: If Goreckis consonance makes you weep in respect, if Pendereckis dissonance makes you shiver in fear-they have both achieved what they wanted. Embrace music in ALL variations and ALL emotions. Do not be afraid to feel negative emotions for you can then truly appreciate the good.
Actually I'd have to agree with the OP. This piece is incredibly melodramatic and really quite self indulgent. It doesn't matter what it's about, it's still just creative art. 'Demeaning humanity', haha :)
@NPBaudelaire I think you pretty much gave the perfect answer. Very much in accordance with my own thoughts and philosophies. However, these kinds of discussions always leads me to the "things are as they are, why care" mentality which usually numbs my interest to even discuss or think about the given matter anymore. Sure, we are responsible, but on the other hand, what does that "matter" (define matter hehe)? Evolution made us the way we are. We are what we are.
All victims of the Nazis, Jews, Poles, Gypsies, etc., have lost a truly gifted composer who captured the horror of the Holocaust in music. He will be missed, but not forgotten. The first movement is very moving.
It is the human soul. It is what we feel, though we can ignore it and suppress it. The wickedness, the pain, the grief. The grain of our being. And the hope, that God sees.
my high school just did the play the diary of anne frank and we used the last 5 mins or so of this song for the part where the nazis find them and they are forced out of the annex. it is unbelievably powerful. most of the actors were overwhelmed and nearly everyone in the audience was crying. it was just a powerful moment.
I heard a version of this Symphony on radio once, with a male vocal. Really deep voice. The recording sounded older. I'm going mad trying to find it. Can anyone help me out? The part I heard was in fact the 2nd Movement
@MrLjgroove I certainly agree with your summary of Christopher Hitchens, although I would sum up his shortcomings at least in the domain of religion to be mainly shortcomings in the field of philosophy. As popular as atheism has been in the last few years, it's modern representatives tend to glaze over the epistemological depths that should form the core of the arguments. Many of the exchanges I've had with 'Appletree' here nod to these oft neglected discussions.
Her R the words: Lamentation of the HolyCrossMonastery (circa 15th AD). My, son, chosen and loved, Let your mother share your wounds. And since, my dear son, I have always kept you in my heart, and loyaly served you, Speak to your mother, make her happy, though my dear hope, you are now leaving me.
@MissInformati0n What you are saying is weard because I said the same thing when I heard it the first time, I sang alone like that before hearing it !!
![Beth Gibbons / Penderecki / Górecki - Symphony No. 3 Final Movement [English Subtitles]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-YlGYxCSDJU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Beth Gibbons / Penderecki / Górecki - Symphony No. 3 Final Movement [English Subtitles]](/img/tr.png)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I was terribly disturbed, yet entranced. Caught up in a celestial realm of heaven, yet with some sort of romantic darkness. This is the soundtrack to my life. I am proud to be Polish. Thank you Henryk. You passed this earth but not before you composed the sounds of other worlds. RIP.
Amazing, I love music like this. It does not get enough recognition anymore, sadly.
This is my favorite movement in the symphony. Its orchestration is just so cathartic, even after the soloist is done. There is so much emotion in every part of this piece.
this symphony is a truly masterpiece, so sad and moving. It expresses all the anguish and hopelessness of our time
I think my ears are about to bust in, and my eyes about to water. This song is more epic, it deserves "Legendary" masterpiece.
True beauty. RIP, and thank you, Gorecki - no other music has so deeply influenced me.
Definitely one of the most beautiful piece in the history of music.
one of the greatest pieces of music of all time...
this is the most beautiful piece of music I ever heard, it send shivers, and makes me cry and feel such redemption
"My son chosen and chaste, Let your mother share your wounds. And since, my dear son, I have always kept you in heart, And loyally served you, speak to your mother, make her happy. Though, my dear hope, you are leaving me."
I always get emotional listening to this masterpiece, but I had no idea about the lyrics. Thank you so much for posting, by an unfortunate coincidence, my mother faces an aggressive cancer, I was reading your post, which made me cry, not a cry of sadness, but a cry for all the good things I lived with her.
I never believed music like this, so simple and yet so amazingly powerful and moving, was ever possible...
Rest in Peace,Henryk.In life we can take moments and you have given something that allows me every now and then to enter a place where nothing else matters only the absolute intensity of every emotion that I can possibly comprehend.Thank you,thank you.
Haunting beautiful is what comes to mind. I first heard a segment of this piece while watching the movie "Fearless", and had to have it. I ended up buying the the Fearless film score CD. I now have over twenty six minutes of this astounding meditative work. I never tire of listening to it.
By the way, the lead actor In Fearless was Jeff Bridges. I truly feel that he was robbed of an academy award for his over the top, brilliant performance. A great movie for those who haven't seen it. What more can I say.
+James LochardI agree, it IS hauntingy beautiful.
A work of genius and one with a powerful historical value
Thank you for leaving this beautiful work to humanity. R.I.P.
I cant stop crying...it´s to beautiful ...i´m totally awe-inspired by it. THANKS for this piece of music,
Schluppi
SFOB
Perfect title. Symphony of Sorrowful songs. This music describes sadness and sorrow perfectly. I wish I could transcribe my emotions on paper as well as Gorecki. Too beautiful. Can't stop crying too.
Maestro... you were blessed by God to compose such beautiful compositions of music. Now your works fill the heavens in God's grace. RIP
Bóg daje mam takich ludzi byśmy nie umarli nie poznawszy piękna, ale też odbiera, byśmy nie posiedli go na zawsze...
Spoczywaj w pokoju [*] Amen.
I agree, every movement touched my soul, especially the first (in full).
This work is truly awe inspiring.
wonderfull piece of this sacred master on the sound. congratulations to the people wat lisnt this great world...
Thank you for blessing my ears with such music.
RIP Maestro, thank you for your music.
i falled in love with this. unbeliveable
4:06 gives me chills every time.
+seadog365 literally same
My son, my chosen and beloved
Share your wounds with your mother
And because, dear son, I have always carried you in my heart,
And always served you faithfully
Speak to your mother, to make her happy,
Although you are already leaving me, my cherished hope.
(Lamentation of the Holy Cross Monastery from the "Lysagóra Songs" collection. Second half of the 15th century)
This is the only minimalist classical piece I can listen to.
Absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful. Perfect, and well toned for what it's ment for us to remember.
what a remarkable composer - I wish I had run across his works decades earlier
This beauty piece can be heard in the final credits of FEARLESS with Jeff Bridges
Yes! I was so wonderfully surprised when it started playing in the credits
I loved that movie and it’s musical score so much that I watched the ending credits very closely, and then fortunately discovered the full Gorecki Symphony of Sorrowful Songs. It’s a beautifully devastating piece of music, but it’s so lovely that it’s expression of grief is transformative.
I drank a whole lot of beer, bounced around, and somehow found out about this composer. This music is unbelievable! Why isn't he better known?
I wish he was. It's utterly beautiful.
I've known this piece since a kid and it's utterly overwhelming.
Thank you for posting this musical gem. RIP, maestro Gorecki.
Wspaniala muzyka Goreckiego... Niech odpoczywa w pokoju.
forever in my heart...from Greece
Thanks for this masterpice of music!
One of the most powerful pieces of music to be written. And given the inspiration you will surely know why. A journey into despair.....the evilness of man unto his fellow man.
Wow, powerful music, I didn't even know classical music was still being composed, I thought it was all from 100's of years ago. Nice to know.
Looked him up on wikipedia and saw he recently died, and I can see the sadness many of you express. May the worms that burrow have a special feast for this guy.
It breaks my heart that this is not on Spotify, I’ve been searching for it for so long 😢
Beyond words, I remember it from Fearless, a wonder.. thanks @hussar2007 for sharing this, best regards from Egypt my friend :)
The world has lost a composer with music in his heart. R.I.P. Henryk Gorecki
He was great. One of the greatest Polish composers. 3rd Symp. is brilliant and remarkable.
great composition that so well portray grief and loss...........
May you rest in peace. Your music is and will always be with us.
The single most beautiful piece I've ever heard. Get some VERDE and understand mis hermanos.
Thank you and God Bless Henryk.
I agree! I put classical music on when my students R drawing, they R captives to what they will not otherwise give any heed. I think it will sink in at some point, a few at least demonstrate curiosity. Music has kept me nourished and in good company as I make art for many years now. I owe it so much!
Gorgeous melodies!
Davidovich00 your so right the crescendo at 4:07 is tearjerking, I used to reoplay this section over and over whilst thinking of my own kids....
@greatsea It struck me too that way for a time. I believe this is a piece that is not to be analyzed like that, but felt. It's heartfelt, singular in vision, and unashamed of what it is, and as such I've come to appreciate it.
sublime!
Back on topic- absolutely beautiful song.
RIP...we shall never forget your music
This is heart-gripping.
The angels will sing a sorrowful hymn tonight but will have a beautifully creative sould among their midst.
Nos plus grandes douleurs ont accouché de nos plus belles musiques à nous êtres humains . Maudits soyons nous tous autant que nous sommes d avoir souiller ainsi le don qui nous a été fait . Plus jamais cela ....plus jamais .
They inspire me also! I make art it enhances my humanity. It represents both the mind and heart of humanity.
It is a translation of this song. It is about Mary talking to her son (Christ) Dying ion the cross. It is beautiful anfd heart wrenching!
Υπέροχο !!!! (Sublime !!!! )
@lanzfriszt Dear Lanzfriszt, Thank you so much for your recommendation of Arvo Part. His music touches the most tender of our emotional souls. Listening to his Fur Alise song, and this song simultaneously, at the beginning at least, is almost too much to bear.
Came backtracking from Deadmau5's remix of Hybrid's 'Finished Symphony' to Hybrid's original version to this! Music can put you on an incredible journey - and it all happens in your ears/head 😮❤
Most people have only heard the 2nd movement, which, though great, taken on its own does not do justice to the whole symphony. As many have said, you have to hear the whole piece to truly appreciate the beauty and depth of what has to be one of the most understated classical pieces of our time.
@leasung Time truly determines what stands as a work of art. I'm certain that his Symphony of Sorrowful Songs will count as one. About the elitists who mock him, the same has been the case of composers highly regarded now. For example, J. S. Bach was mocked as passe by his own sons, Mozart made fun of other composers, and Stravinsky under-rated Vivaldi's prolific 500 concerti.
This piece was meant to be in absolut opposition to the common serialism of the 60ies. You just have to imagine how the effect should have been in those years: all the broken, divided and calculated sound systems of the serial music, and suddenly something like this enters the world.
Must have been overwhelming.
And it's still overwhelming...
truly beautiful
I'm really ashamed that I didn't hear about this song sooner and that it took me a videogame trailer for me to find this.
It's beautiful, but it's also haunting, and really captures the sorrowful aspect that the title points out.
Beyond powerfull
RIP
Henryk Gorecki
They probably cut it out because it was too long for most people. ADD is common now a days. I have this recording it is heart wrenching!
I'm glad to have found this song before cod Ww2
RIP..master of music
This moves me deeply.
I have the recording too somewhere, and the first part just makes it even stronger
May he rest in peace.
Gorecki, Penderecki and Lutoslawski enriched the world of art music in every possible way, Poland can be proud of its musical innovators.
And just to end the silly "dissonance"-discussions:
If Goreckis consonance makes you weep in respect, if Pendereckis dissonance makes you shiver in fear-they have both achieved what they wanted.
Embrace music in ALL variations and ALL emotions. Do not be afraid to feel negative emotions for you can then truly appreciate the good.
This give me a similar feeling to Sigur Rós & Steindór Andersen "Fjöll Í Austri Fagurblá"
My head is in the clouds...
Actually I'd have to agree with the OP. This piece is incredibly melodramatic and really quite self indulgent.
It doesn't matter what it's about, it's still just creative art. 'Demeaning humanity', haha :)
This music is divine!
Thanks! U R right.
Anyone who loved this would love Ennio Morricone's main theme for the movie Casualties of War.
gorgeous
@NPBaudelaire I think you pretty much gave the perfect answer. Very much in accordance with my own thoughts and philosophies. However, these kinds of discussions always leads me to the "things are as they are, why care" mentality which usually numbs my interest to even discuss or think about the given matter anymore. Sure, we are responsible, but on the other hand, what does that "matter" (define matter hehe)? Evolution made us the way we are. We are what we are.
All victims of the Nazis, Jews, Poles, Gypsies, etc., have lost a truly gifted composer who captured the horror of the Holocaust in music. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
The first movement is very moving.
It is the human soul. It is what we feel, though we can ignore it and suppress it. The wickedness, the pain, the grief.
The grain of our being.
And the hope, that God sees.
@charpel
look up arvo part. still kickin, writing classical
You will be in our hearts always. R.I.P.
Thank you for all..
Is no one else deeply disturbed by Gorecki's music?
@charpel
Look up Arvo Part, he's still kicking, and writing beautiful things.
my high school just did the play the diary of anne frank and we used the last 5 mins or so of this song for the part where the nazis find them and they are forced out of the annex. it is unbelievably powerful. most of the actors were overwhelmed and nearly everyone in the audience was crying. it was just a powerful moment.
I heard a version of this Symphony on radio once, with a male vocal. Really deep voice. The recording sounded older. I'm going mad trying to find it. Can anyone help me out? The part I heard was in fact the 2nd Movement
beautiful
Please post the very first part!
perfect score
give this man an upvote
moja ulubiona to 3cia czesc symfoni szkoda ze nie ma jej na tyoutubie
@MrLjgroove
I certainly agree with your summary of Christopher Hitchens, although I would sum up his shortcomings at least in the domain of religion to be mainly shortcomings in the field of philosophy. As popular as atheism has been in the last few years, it's modern representatives tend to glaze over the epistemological depths that should form the core of the arguments. Many of the exchanges I've had with 'Appletree' here nod to these oft neglected discussions.
The music, based on traditional chants rooted in the Polish Catholic Church, reflects Górecki’s deep love of his country and its musical traditions
Her R the words: Lamentation of the HolyCrossMonastery (circa 15th AD). My, son, chosen and loved, Let your mother share your wounds. And since, my dear son, I have always kept you in my heart, and loyaly served you, Speak to your mother, make her happy, though my dear hope, you are now leaving me.
I don't know if this is Dawn Upshaw? She was on the Elektra recording, and her voice actually sounds much purer on this.
Wow! Tristan and Parsifal reminded me!
RIP Maestro...
@MissInformati0n What you are saying is weard because I said the same thing when I heard it the first time, I sang alone like that before hearing it !!