Symphony No. 3 is perhaps the top - selling contemporary classical composition ever. First recorded in 1978, it was a masterpiece in Poland but faced criticism for deviating from the global avant - garde norms of that time. After the fall of communism, Polish music became easier to export, and by 1990, this symphony was being played worldwide. Known as the 'Symphony of Sorrowful Sounds', it's seen as a Holocaust memorial or a summary of Polish history, exploring themes of motherhood and war - related separation. The 1991 Nonesuch recording, surprisingly, sold over 700,000 copies at its release. Composed by Krzysztof Penderecki (famous for scores in 'The Shining' and 'The Exorcist'), it's performed by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra with powerful soprano vocals from Portishead's Beth Gibbons. This 180g audiophile vinyl comes with a 4 - page booklet and a digital download. It's released by Domino in 2019. Reviewed by jac holzman in 04/2019.


Using this vinyl LP is easy. Just place it on your turntable, gently drop the needle on the start of the record, and enjoy the beautiful symphony. When handling the vinyl, make sure your hands are clean to avoid leaving fingerprints or dirt on it. Store the vinyl in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping. The included 4 - page booklet can be a great companion to learn more about the music. And don't forget, you also have a digital download, so you can listen to the symphony on other devices too. Keep the digital code in a safe place. Enjoy this amazing musical experience!