Weinberg Edition Vol. 4: Sonata for violoncello and piano No. 2 (2011)/ Piano Quintet

Op 18 november 2012 speelt het Valerius Ensemble Weinbergs Pianokwintet Op. 18 in het Muziekcentrum, Enschede. "The absurdity of Weinberg's neglect in Western Europe is underlined by his Piano Quintet, surely as brilliant and memorable as any written in the genre. No listener can be surprised at its wartime provenance, yet there are many pages of presumably ironic light-heartedness and military eupepsia to balance the air of gloom and introspection. It is impossible not to be reminded of Shostakovich by Weinberg's music. Yet his voice is as unique as that of his friend. The Cello Sonata is more melody-led, and a bit more optimistic, perhaps reflecting the Khrushchev Thaw that had taken place after Stalin's death - something that led to Weinberg's release from prison, where he was being held on charges of "Jewish bourgeois nationalism". The performers are uniformly impressive, matching technique with expressiveness. Sound recording is very good." (Musicweb International; voor complete tekst, klik op link)