Mieczysław Weinberg: From the Lyrics of Fet & Tuwim

"From the Lyrics of Fet & Tuwim" is a captivating classical album by the renowned composer Mieczysław Weinberg, set to be released on January 7, 2025, under the Donemus Musicians' Voice label. This album is a unique blend of Weinberg's musical genius and the poetic prowess of Konstantin Fet and Julian Tuwim, offering a rich and immersive experience for classical music enthusiasts.

The album features 17 tracks, each a masterful setting of poetry by Fet and Tuwim, showcasing Weinberg's ability to translate the nuances of language into music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, "From the Lyrics of Fet & Tuwim" is a substantial body of work that promises to engage and inspire from start to finish.

The album is performed by the talented duo of Evgeny Skurat and Ihor Kolomiiets, whose interpretations bring Weinberg's compositions to life with sensitivity and virtuosity. The tracks range from introspective and delicate to powerful and dramatic, reflecting the diverse moods and themes of the original poems.

Highlights include "The Midnight Blizzard Raged and Wailed," a dramatic piece that captures the fury of a winter storm, and "A Child in Front of a Toy Store," a tender and evocative portrayal of childhood wonder. Other notable tracks include "The Ball," a lively and rhythmic piece, and "Recollection," a reflective and introspective work.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Mieczysław Weinberg or a newcomer to his music, "From the Lyrics of Fet & Tuwim" is sure to captivate and enchant. This album is a testament to Weinberg's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that resonates deeply with the human experience.

Mieczysław Weinberg, born in Warsaw in 1919, was a prolific and versatile composer whose life and work spanned two continents and multiple musical genres. Surrounded by music from a young age, Weinberg taught himself to play the piano and began composing at an early age. His formal training at the Warsaw Conservatory was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, forcing him to flee Poland and leave his family behind. Weinberg's journey led him to the Soviet Union, where he would spend the rest of his life and become a close friend of Dmitri Shostakovich.

Weinberg's compositions are a testament to his resilience and creativity, blending traditional and contemporary forms with ethnic influences. His extensive catalog includes 22 symphonies, 17 string quartets, seven operas, six concertos, and over 200 songs, as well as numerous film scores. Despite his prolific output, Weinberg's music remained largely unknown to the Western world during his lifetime. However, in recent decades, his works have gained recognition and acclaim, revealing a unique voice that deserves a place among the great composers of the 20th century. Weinberg's story is one of perseverance and artistic integrity, making his music a compelling exploration of the human spirit.