Colin Stetson announces SORROW - A Reimagining of Górecki’s 3rd Symphony

You ever listen to a piece of music so many times that you find yourself wondering about your ability to engage in daily tasks without listening to that piece of music? Colin Stetson (presumably) doesn’t quite need Henryk Górecki’s esteemed Symphony No. 3 playing in the background in order to, say, finish his Froot Loops, but as a possible conclusion to his longstanding appreciation for the Polish composer’s 1977 piece, the man seen frequently lugging around a human-sized saxophone has announced SORROW- A Reimagining of Górecki’s Third Symphony, which will be released April 8 via Kartel Music Group.

The use of the word “reimagining” implies, I think, a limited departure from the original, and on that note, Stetson confirms that SORROW was created “additively,” with a focus on “extending” or emphasizing certain emotional aspects. “Woodwinds, synthesizers, and electric guitars” were among the instrumental supplements; Sarah Neufeld and Rebecca Foon helped out with its stringed core; and then there’s drummer Greg Fox (ZS, Guardian Alien), who introduced percussion that was entirely absent from the symphony. As if Holocaust inspirations and minimalistic stretches of mournful violin didn’t do enough to flood your eyes, maybe this version will make even Niagara Falls jealous.

The excerpt below is obviously reminiscent of the original, but again, drums!

SORROW - A Reimagining of Gorecki’s Third Symphony tracklisting:

01. I
02. II
03. III

More about: Colin Stetson, Henryk Górecki