Credits:

Vladimir Lande

Description:

These are two works by Weinberg (19191996), one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, who was born in Poland and is also known as a friend of Shostakovich. Composed in 1949, when he was 30 years old, the Rhapsody on a Moldavian Theme features a magnificent contrast between its melancholic first half and its second half, which becomes a cauldron of excitement. This accessible work, which makes extensive use of folk songs, was written in response to the social conditions of the time and does not necessarily reflect his true intentions, but there is no doubt that it garnered widespread acclaim. It was premiered on November 30, 1949, by the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Gauk. Symphony No. 6 features descriptive music that incorporates a childrens choir; it is said that Shostakovich, who attended the premiere, praised it highly. Indeed, the scherzowith a ferocity