Beneath the Surface - Panufnik centenary: Symphony no.8 (Sinfonia Votiva)

Introduction

There seems to be a paradox at work with the Sinfonia Votiva. On one hand Panufnik states that it is 'an abstract work without any programmatic content', but in the next paragraph he writes of how 'this symphony is dedicated to the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, the symbol for all Polish people of independence from invading powers, also of profound religious dedication'. The Black Madonna was the symbol of the Solidarity Movement in Poland, which eventually brought the Cold War to a largely peaceful close.

Perhaps aware that his complex geometrical designs were getting in the way of his ability to communicate, Panufnik chose a single circle and the number 8 as his inspirations for the Votiva. 'Seeking the architectural framework for this symphony, I created in my imagination a "mother diagram" - two large circles combined into a figure 8, which represent the two movements of the symphony, and which contain the more complex inner structures of the work.' These diagrams can be found on the website for the composer, www.panufnik.com. The two movements are very similar in construction as a result.

Verdict

Sinfonia Votiva has a pretty bleak beginning that inhabits a similar mood of introspection and impending dread as some of the Shostakovich wartime symphonies. It is however a very compelling and tense listen, and as the cold flute solo unwinds from the start, the strength of suppressed feeling is clear to hear. The icy strings add harmonies that now speak of a lifetime's experience, and the first movement ends in a mood of unfulfilled introspection.

All that changes with the second movement, which has more cut and thrust, suggesting an anger just beneath the surface but pushing forward with an irrepressible energy. As ideas are exchanged the music is revealed to have a strong depth of feeling, as though Panufnik is channeling his support for Solidarity with subtle strength.

I found the Sinfonia Votiva a tough nut to crack, but also found it the work to which I would like to return the most. It is a gripping piece of music, and the contrast between the cold and hot first and second movements is striking, one that warrants further exploration.

Recordings and Spotify Link

A taut account of the Sinfonia Votiva can be found with the Berlin Konzerthaus Orchestra conducted by Lukas Borowicz here

Next up: Sinfonia di Speranza