This second, star-studded instalment of Gergiev’s Szymanowski cycle features Toby Spence as soloist in Symphony No 3 (‘Song of the Night’) and internationally renowned pianist, Denis Matsuev in the virtuosic ‘Symphonie concertante’, Symphony No 4. Szymanowski’s deeply personal choral work, Stabat mater, completes the cycle and stars Sally Matthews and Ekaterina Gubanova, and introduces the young baritone Kostas Smoriginas to LSO Live listeners.

For decades Szymanowski’s music was rarely heard outside Poland. Today, he is recognized as one of Poland’s greatest musical figures. His desire to embody the music of his native land and his incorporation of the folkloric sounds of the Polish mountains make his orchestral works a must for anyone with an interest in Polish culture and music.