Simon Rattle’s luminous reading of Szymanowski’s philosophical opera King Roger won a Gramophone Award for opera on its first release in 2000. ‘A vibrantly dramatic account, revealing potent theatricality from the outset and sustaining its grip throughout’ (Gramophone), Rattle’s recording is coupled with Szymanowski’s colourful Fourth Symphony, with the solo piano part assuredly performed here by Leif Ove Andsnes.

Contents:
Król Roger Op.46
Cast:
- Thomas Hampson: King Roger
- Elzbieta Szmytka: Roxana
- Philip Langridge: Edrisi
- Ryszard Minkiewicz: Shepherd
- Robert Gierlach: Archbishop
- Jadwiga Rappé: Deaconess
City Of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle

Symphony No.4 (Sinfonia Concertante) Op.60
Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle