Weinberg: 3 Palms & String Quartets Nos. 14 & 15

Dive into the profound and evocative world of Mieczysław Weinberg with this captivating album, featuring his String Quartets Nos. 14 and 15, along with the hauntingly beautiful "3 Palms." This release, performed by the esteemed Silesian Quartet with soprano Joanna Freszel, offers a deep exploration of Weinberg's late-period compositional style, marked by its introspective and deeply personal character.

The album opens with Weinberg's String Quartet No. 14, Op. 122, a work that showcases the composer's mastery of the string quartet form. Each of its five movements reveals a different facet of Weinberg's musical language, from the somber and reflective to the intensely dramatic. Following this is the ethereal "3 Palms," Op. 120, a vocal work that sets texts by the Russian poet Velimir Khlebnikov. Joanna Freszel's delicate and expressive vocals weave seamlessly with the strings, creating a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere.

The album concludes with Weinberg's monumental String Quartet No. 15, Op. 124, a sprawling work in nine movements that stands as one of the composer's most significant achievements. This quartet is a testament to Weinberg's unique voice, blending elements of his Jewish heritage, Russian roots, and the influences of his contemporaries, such as Shostakovich.

Recorded in 2020 by CD Accord, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Weinberg's music. The performances by the Silesian Quartet and Joanna Freszel are impeccable, capturing the nuances and depths of Weinberg's scores with sensitivity and technical brilliance. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Weinberg's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.