Mieczysław Weinberg's "Works for Cello & Orchestra" is a captivating journey through the classical repertoire, released on July 3, 2020, under the CPO label. This album spans a total of 1 hour and 7 minutes, showcasing Weinberg's mastery in composing for the cello. The tracklist includes the expansive Cello Concerto, Op. 43, with its four distinct movements, as well as the Fantasy, Op. 52 and the Concertino, Op. 43bis, which is also divided into three movements. Notably, the Concertino was initially a shorter piece that Weinberg later expanded, adding a final section and ultimately designating it with the opus number 43.
Weinberg's music has been gaining the recognition it deserves, and this album is a testament to his enduring legacy. The performances are brought to life by talented musicians, including Elisaveta Blumina on piano, Noah Bendix-Balgley on violin, Shanshan Yao on violin, Maté Szücs on viola, and Bruno Delepelaire on cello. Each track is a showcase of Weinberg's unique compositional style, blending depth and emotion with technical brilliance. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or new to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.