Grazyna Bacewicz has already been introduced in my series articles "Best Chamber Music by Women Composers" with her Fourth String Quartet. She is one of the most important Polish composers from around the middle of the 20th century.
The award-winning Concerto for String Orchestra (1948) is one of Bacewicz' best post-war works. In the first movement pulsating rhythms give a sense of irresistible power and energy. The second movement, Andante, begins almost inaudibly with divided strings from which a solo cello emerges. The finale is again lively and rhythmically vigorous. This brief and concentrated work makes you want more.
The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Ruth Reinhardt.