Mieczysław Weinberg: /Un/Discovered, Songs, Opp. 4, 57, 62, 77

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Mieczysław Weinberg's vocal works with this captivating album, "Mieczysław Weinberg: /Un/Discovered, Songs, Opp. 4, 57, 62, 77." Released on April 27, 2023, this collection showcases the composer's mastery of song cycles, featuring settings of poems by Julian Tuwim. The album spans four distinct song cycles, each offering a unique blend of poetic expression and musical ingenuity.

The journey begins with "Acacias," Op. 4, a set of six songs for soprano and piano that beautifully capture the essence of Tuwim's poetry. The album then transitions to "The Gypsy Bible," Op. 57, a cycle of seven romances for mezzo-soprano and piano that delve into the rich tapestry of gypsy folklore and culture. Following this, "Memories," Op. 62, offers a reflective five-song cycle that explores themes of nostalgia and remembrance. The album concludes with "Old Letters," Op. 77, an eight-song cycle that weaves together tales of love, loss, and the passage of time.

Performed by the talented vocalists Aleksandra Kubas-Kruk, Anna Bernacka, and Monika Kruk, this album is a testament to Weinberg's enduring legacy and his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with the human experience. The piano accompaniment, expertly rendered, complements the vocal lines, creating a harmonious blend that brings Tuwim's words to life. With a total duration of 71 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of musical and poetic delights that will captivate fans of classical vocal music.

April 27, 2023

2022 DUX Recording Producers

About Mieczysław Weinberg

Mieczysław Weinberg, born in Warsaw in 1919, was a prolific composer and pianist whose life and work spanned the tumultuous landscapes of 20th-century Europe. Surrounded by music from an early age, Weinberg's parents worked in the Yiddish theatre, fostering his love for composition and performance. By the age of 12, he was already enrolled at the Warsaw Conservatory, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of Józef Turczyński. His journey took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of World War II, forcing him to flee Nazi-occupied Poland and seek refuge in the Soviet Union. Despite the challenges and discrimination he faced under Stalin, Weinberg's talent shone through, earning him recognition and a close friendship with the legendary Dmitri Shostakovich.

Weinberg's extensive body of work includes 22 symphonies, 17 string quartets, 7 operas, and numerous other compositions that blend traditional and contemporary forms with ethnic influences. His music, though not widely known during his lifetime, has since gained acclaim for its depth and emotional resonance. Weinberg's legacy is a testament to his resilience and artistic genius, making him one of the most intriguing and underappreciated composers of the 20th century.