Valery Gergiev explores the intense expression, fervour and spirituality of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937) with his first recording of the early symphonies on LSO Live.

Karol Szymanowski is emerging as one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century, with the sheer opulence and exotic sensuousness of his music winning over an increasingly wide audience. His Symphony No 1 displays a youthful musical vision besotted with high-Romanticism and mysticism. No 2 occupies similar territory, its passion channelled into soaring violin lines and chamber textures. Both make for an entralling listening experience.

Valery Gergiev says of this project; ‘Szymanowski not only deserves to be widely heard and recognised, but his music also gives us a tremendous opportunity to understand better the development of classical music through the twentieth century.’