Markowicz’s version is so good it sounds like it was written just for his Steinway 274 grand. (…) Glass’ musical argument comes off as equally convincing or even more convincing than that in his full orchestra score.

Eine große Leistung, die Inspiration und Ausdauer beweist.

A great achievement that demonstrates inspiration and perseverance.

Pawel Markowicz est un nom à ajouter à la conséquente cohorte de pianistes à même de donner une nouvelle dynamique interprétative au répertoire glassien. (…) Dès le grandiose portail introductif, éclatent avec évidence la science de l’arrangeur et le talent pianistique. (…) Né d’un choc adolescent et d’une vibrante fidélité musicale, un disque magistral et poignant.

Pawel Markowicz is a name to add to the substantial cohort of pianists capable of bringing a new interpretative dynamic to the Glassian repertoire. (…) From the grandiose opening, his arrangement skills and pianistic talent are clearly evident. (…) Born from an adolescent shock and a vibrant musical fidelity, a masterful and poignant recording.”

The first movement, typical for Glass, is very dynamic and processes no less than eight themes in a constant and unstoppable flow. Markowicz has transformed this into a piano-symphonic sound, and the 17-minute movement is thus heard in a gripping, pulsating interpretation. (…) Markowicz’s playing is sensitive and atmospheric.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the most beautiful transcriptions of Philip Glass ever! In the tradition of Liszt, it’s a pianistic marvel, especially the first movement!

Any lover of Glass’s music would be mesmerised and enchanted by this transcription for piano that is full of respect and love for the composer. As a composer and arranger myself, I recognise and applaud this enormous tribute and scrutinous skilful work that went into this arrangement and performance. Like in many of Ravel’s piano works that are also orchestral works, it is hard to know which came first, and such is the case with Glass’s Symphony no.8- here now, thanks to Pawel Markowicz, as a glorious symphony for one piano solo.

Pawel Markowicz a eu envie de la transcrire la Symphonie No. 8 de Glass: avec l’aval du compositeur, il en a tiré une Symphony for Solo Piano qui rend superbement justice à sa complexité. Un toucher subtil sert la progression à pas de loup du deuxième mouvement; le désespoir du troisième surgit d’un halo et se noie dans des basses lugubres.

Pawel Markowicz wanted to transcribe Glass’s Symphony No. 8: with the composer’s approval, he created a Symphony for Solo Piano that superbly does justice to its complexity. A subtle touch supports the stealthy progression of the second movement; the despair of the third emerges from a halo and drowns in somber basses.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t believe I have ever heard such a fine reimagining of Philip Glass’s music. It was done with great love and understanding, to say nothing of Markowicz’s prowess as a pianist.

Dann stürmt der Wiener Staatsopernchor, bunt gekleidet wie die Touristen draußen auf Salzburgs Gassen, in die Felsenreitschule, er füllt den Raum zwischen Orchestergraben und Auditorium, wild gestikulierend, noch wilder und vor allem gewaltig singend. Da ist musikalische Urgewalt von bedrohlicher Kraft.

Then the Vienna State Opera Choir, dressed as colorfully as the tourists outside on the streets of Salzburg, storms into the Felsenreitschule, filling the space between the orchestra pit and the auditorium, gesticulating wildly, singing even more wildly and, above all, powerfully. This is a primal musical force of threatening power.

Der Herrenchor der Wiener Staatsoper unter der Leitung von Pawel Markowicz tritt kraftvoll als kaltblütige Mafia-Bande auf. Wer der russischen Sprache mächtig ist, braucht keine Übertitel, denn man versteht jedes Wort.

The men’s choir of the Vienna State Opera, under the direction of Pawel Markowicz, appears powerfully as a cold-blooded mafia gang. Those proficient in Russian don’t need surtitles, as every word is clearly understood.

Die unzähligen kleinen und kleinsten Solonummern in der finalen Roulette-Szene bestreiten virtuos Mitglieder des Young Singers Project und der Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, einstudiert von Pawel Markowicz.

The countless small and smallest solo numbers in the final roulette scene are virtuously performed by members of the Young Singers Project and the Concert Association of the Vienna State Opera Chorus, rehearsed by Pawel Markowicz.

(…) lässt das Ensemble nebst den Herren des Wiener Staatsopernchores keinen Wunsch offen: ein großer Abend.

(…) the ensemble, together with the gentlemen of the Vienna State Opera Choir, leaves nothing to be desired: a great evening.

Die Herren der Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor waren bestens von Pawel Markowicz einstudiert.

The gentlemen of the Concert Association of the Vienna State Opera Chorus were excellently rehearsed by Pawel Markowicz.

Ebenso der Rest des Ensembles und auch die Herren der Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor gaben eine glänzende Leistung ab (Pawel Markowicz: Choreinstudierung)

The rest of the ensemble and the gentlemen of the Concert Association of the Vienna State Opera Chorus also gave a brilliant performance (Pawel Markowicz: Chorus Master)

Kurz aber wirkungsvoll auf der großen Bühne ist der Auftritt der Herren der Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, von Pawel Markowicz einstudiert.

Short but impactful on the grand stage is the performance of the gentlemen of the Concert Association of the Vienna State Opera Chorus, rehearsed by Pawel Markowicz.

Von den je zwei Dirigentinnen und Dirigenten beeindruckte Pawel Markowicz durch sensible Begleitung am Flügel.

Of the two conductors, Pawel Markowicz impressed with his sensitive accompaniment on the piano.