Take the Reichian 16th-note ostinato (or the industrial equipment equivalent, the sledgehammer), minimal melodic development, and the sonic capabilities of a modern orchestra in heavy hands, and you've got some difficult listening ahead of you, friend.
As this CD contains a sampling of different types of symphonic forms - long sonata, a concerto, I would consider it a suitable representation of the composers body of work. For my ears, I don't hear music that merits recording. I hear a mediocre composition students senior project, hastly constructed due to his focus on his drumming in his rock band, not on study. In fact, as a harpsichordist, I would be embarassed to play the instrument in his Harpsicord Concerto, insinuating that he even came close to the capabilities of my instrument. Think Yanni.
My guess is that Gorecki fans would explain to me that my vehemence is exactly what the composer intends, or that I don't understand his work or where he's coming from. My response could only be that I pass on music that requires clairvoyant connection with the composer and doesn't stand without explanation.
