Weinberg: Wir gratulieren!, Op. 111

Album Description

Experience the delightful charm of Mieczysław Weinberg's comic opera "Wir gratulieren!" (Congratulations!), a hidden gem of Soviet-era music, now available in a captivating live recording. This 1975 opera, Weinberg's own Russian libretto based on Sholem Aleichem's Yiddish play "Mazel Tov," is a witty and engaging exploration of love, class, and family dynamics. To navigate the Soviet censors, Weinberg emphasized the class conflict within the story, adding a layer of intrigue to this already engaging narrative.

This live performance, arranged by Henry Koch, brings together a stellar cast of vocalists, including Olivia Saragosa as Bejlja, Jeff Martin as Reb Alter, Robert Elibay-Hartog as Khaim, Anna Gütter as Fradl, and Katia Guedes as Madame. Accompanied by the Kammerakademie Potsdam under the baton of Vladimir Stoupel, the opera comes to life with vivid energy and musicality.

Spanning two acts and sixteen tracks, this recording captures the essence of Weinberg's unique compositional style, blending humor, warmth, and a touch of social commentary. From the opening scene to the final notes, "Wir gratulieren!" is a testament to Weinberg's genius and his ability to create compelling, character-driven music. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to the world of opera, this live recording of "Wir gratulieren!" is sure to enchant and entertain.

21 augustus 2020

2020 Oehms Classics

About Mieczysław Weinberg

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.