Symphony No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

symphony by Górecki

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July 20, 2026

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Henryk Górecki's Symphony No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is a classical composition that gained significant international popularity in the late 20th century. Composed in 1976, the symphony is characterized by its sombre tone and slow tempi, reflecting Górecki's desire to express profound sorrow.1

The symphony features three movements, each based on Polish lamentations. These texts include a 15th-century monastic song, a folk song, and a prayer written by a young girl imprisoned by the Gestapo during World War II. The music builds from low strings to a soprano voice, suggesting a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The symphony's success was amplified by a highly acclaimed recording in 1992, which sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide.1

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Henryk Górecki
…recording in 1992 of his Symphony No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs performed by soprano Dawn Upshaw and the London Sinfonietta, conducted by David Zinman. The album sold more than half a million copies worldwide at a time when the average classical album typically sold about 15,000 copies. Suddenly Górecki,…
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…recording in 1992 of his Symphony No. 3: Symphony of Sorrowful Songs performed by soprano Dawn Upshaw and the London Sinfonietta, conducted by David Zinman. The album sold more than half a million copies worldwide at a time when the average classical album typically sold about 15,000 copies. Suddenly Górecki,…
Read More