Weinberg, Vol. 3: String Quartets Nos. 4 and 16

by Arcadia Quartet

Overview

Composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg proudly proclaimed himself a disciple of Shostakovich, who reciprocated by saving Weinberg from one of Stalin's purges. However, as listeners realize that Weinberg was more than just a Shostakovich clone, his works have been receiving more attention. This release, offering works from the early and late parts of Weinberg's career, is part of a complete cycle in progress from the Arcadia Quartet, and the performances thus far have been very strong. The Arcadia hones in nicely on the differences between Shostakovich and Weinberg. In the String Quartet No. 4, premiered in early 1945, it is the mood that is most Shostakovich-like, more so than the structure. The work has clear resonances of wartime experiences, and though a Soviet commentator quoted in the booklet likens the finale to recollections of a happy childhood, it is a happiness that dissolves, trying to reconstitute itself through resolute contrapuntal gestures but failing. The downbeat quality reminds one of Weinberg's mentor, but the methods of achieving it are different. The String Quartet No. 16, from 1981, is perhaps a less successful work, but it seeks to merge folk and modernist influences in a manner different from anything Shostakovich tried, and listeners' reactions may vary. The Arcadia Quartet captures the essentially Romantic nature of Weinberg's music, again different from the often acrid Shostakovich, in fine, long-breathed performances, and throughout, this is chamber playing at a very high level. Further releases in the Arcadia's series will be impatiently awaited by listeners who put this one on classical best-seller charts in the spring of 2023. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	04/07/2023
Label:	CHANDOS
UPC:	0095115218020

Tracks

1. String Quartet No. 4, Op. 20 in E flat major~I. Allegro commodo - Meno mosso - Tempo I
2. String Quartet No. 4, Op. 20 in E flat major~II. Moderato assai
3. String Quartet No. 4, Op. 20 in E flat major~III. Largo marciale -
4. String Quartet No. 4, Op. 20 in E flat major~IV. Allegro moderato - Poco a poco agitato - Allegro furioso - Tempo I
5. String Quartet No.16, Op.130 in A flat minor~I. Allegro - Moderato - Largo
6. String Quartet No.16, Op.130 in A flat minor~II. Allegro - Andantino - Allegro - Andantino - Tempo I
7. String Quartet No.16, Op.130 in A flat minor~III. Lento -
8. String Quartet No.16, Op.130 in A flat minor~IV. Moderato

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Arcadia Quartet   Primary Artist,String Quartet

Technical Credits

Raluca Ciornea   Photography,Cover Photo
Jonathan Cooper   Recording Producer,Editing,Engineer
David Fanning   Liner Notes
Mieczyslaw Weinberg   Composer
Finn S. Gundersen   Booklet Editor
Marianne Fernee   Liner Note Translation
Bettina Reinke-Welsh   Liner Note Translation
Sue Shortridge   A&R
Arcadia Quartet   Liner Notes
Cass Cassidy   Typesetting,Design
Olga Rakhalskaya   Photography