Weinberg "Mother tongue"

"Mother Tongue" is a captivating collection of vocal works by the renowned composer Mieczysław Weinberg, released on June 1, 2022, under the Opus Series label. This 44-minute album offers a deep dive into Weinberg's mastery of the classical genre, featuring a selection of his most evocative compositions.

The album is a journey through Weinberg's musical language, with each track showcasing his unique voice and profound understanding of musical storytelling. It opens with the three parts of "Tryptyk No.1, Cień, Op. 99," "Tryptyk No.2, O jesieni, Op. 99," and "Tryptyk No.3, Cicha sława, Op. 99," which are followed by the poignant "Pamiątka (Souvenir), Op. 132." The album continues with "O, siwa mgło (Oh, Gray Fog), Op. 84," and concludes with the four parts of "Profil No.1, Biografia, Op. 88," "Profil No.2, Księga dnia i nocy, Op. 88," "Profil No.3, W naszym ogródku, Op. 88," and "Profil No.4, Profil, Op. 88."

Performances on the album are brought to life by the talented Mischa Kozłowski and Tomasz Raff, who lend their voices to Weinberg's intricate compositions. "Mother Tongue" is a testament to Weinberg's enduring legacy and his ability to craft music that resonates deeply with the human experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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.