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.

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.