Review: Weinberg's Magnificent Cello Concerto

Weinberg: Cello Concerto, Concertino for Cello and Strings, Fantasy for Cello and Orchestra. Raphael Wallfisch (cello), Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Lukasz Borowicz (cond.) CPO

[kylejohnson]

Thanks for featuring this masterpiece, Dave! Like you say, it’s unquestionably one of the great cello concerti (not just of the 20th century) as well as one of Weinberg’s most immediately appealing and moving works. The heartfelt thread of Jewish cantorial/folk music that runs through the work is so endearing and memorable. I do wish Weinberg had composed more works in this vein - some of his later, more abstract works tend to sound rather grey and depressing to my ears. Also, those familiar with John Williams’s score to “Schindler’s List” will find more than a passing similarity in the wistful second movement of the concerto (the Weinberg came first, of course)!

Being a cellist myself, I must be picky and say that Wallfisch is not one of my favorite cellists, though I am immensely grateful to him for championing so much neglected repertoire for the instrument. My recording of choice is by the phenomenal Nicolas Altstaedt on Channel Classics, which IMO fully captures the emotional range of the work. It’s coupled a bit less desirably to the ubiquitous Shostakovich 1st Cello Concerto, but if you’re just streaming/downloading this won’t be an issue.

[littlejohnuk]

What an interesting and characterful concerto. Thanks.

[elagabalus-imperator]

Thanks, David, for introducing me to Weinberg - I was not aware of him until your videos. I love the cello concerto, and certainly plan to purchase it.

[timdexter]

Thank you. I've now become very curious about this composer who seems to be getting some traction as far as recordings go. I've ordered a CD of his string quartets and heard good things about his cello sonatas, now you feature his cello concerto. In addition to the complete quartet cycle by the Quatuor Danel, there are two other cycles in progress, that says something. I hope you feature more of his works in the future.

[RudieVissenberg]

Thanks so much for focusing on Weinberg. Because of this video I started listening to Weinberg. The concertino is appealing more to me and I found a version with Pieter Wispelwey as cello player more intense and moving.

[IsothermeMusic]

More Weinberg! I'm just enchanted by the 3rd Symphony. Thank you for hipping me to him! I wish his works would get the box treatment.

[rickcavalla]

Next up hopefully: the Weinberg Piano Quintet! It has been recorded 10 or 12 times and might be his most recorded piece. One of my favorite 20th century chamber works. It is a big, juicy 40+ minute work. I think it has been recorded in an orchestral arrangement a couple times but I prefer the leaner sonorities of the original quintet. It goes from aggressive and animated to sparse and ghostly and back again, often in same movement.

[yomibraester]

There is a number of videos on YouTube about Raphael's mother, the Cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch. A fascinating person.

[ammcello]

Great concerto. Coupling aside, this is probably the weakest of the several new recordings out there. Check out the Nicolas Altstaedt with the Deutsches Sinfonie Berlin, or Claes Gunnarsson with Gothenberg on Chandos.

[ippolit]

Weinberg is quite a phenomenon - I especially like his beautiful and odd Sonata for double bass.

[oskarapeta]

Dear Dave, its great that you mentioned Weinberg. Borowicz is certainly a conductor who is worth attention. He is constantly recording a lot (and I mean A LOT) of forgotten works by Polish composers. You should consider reviewing his recordings of Feliks Nowowiejski's works (Symphonies nos 2 and 3, Piano and Cello Concertos). You will fall in love with this music and with the performances!