Weinberg: Complete Sonatas for Solo Cello

Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of Mieczysław Weinberg's solo cello sonatas with this comprehensive collection, released on October 18, 2019, by Northern Flowers. This album features the complete sonatas for solo cello, meticulously recorded between 2017 and 2019, and presented on a single disc, making it the first complete set of its kind. The disc spans a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, offering a deep dive into Weinberg's masterful compositions.

The album includes all four of Weinberg's sonatas for solo cello, each showcasing the composer's unique voice and technical brilliance. From the poignant Adagio of Sonata No. 1, Op. 72, to the spirited Presto of Sonata No. 4, Op. 140bis, this collection highlights the full range of Weinberg's expressive capabilities. The performances are brought to life by Marina Tarasova, whose artistry and sensitivity to the music make this recording a standout in the classical repertoire.

This release is particularly significant as it was issued ahead of the Weinberg Centenary in December 2019, marking a milestone in the recognition of this extraordinary and underappreciated composer. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to Weinberg's work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the depth and beauty of his solo cello compositions.

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.