Mieczysław Weinberg: Piano Quintet, Moldavian Rhapsody & Violin Concerto

“The Piano Quintet does full justice to the densely packed chords and widely spaced spread of sound which Weinberg avowedly learnt from his mentor Shostakovich. It is engaging, expertly written and played with great address by the composer himself … To survive so much terror and retain such creative energy compels admiration. The Quintet may seem more rewarding for the surprising range of invention (eg. wild Irish fiddle). The performance is admirable. … Shostakovich declared how impressed he was with the Violin Concerto ‘splendidly interpreted by the violinist-Communist L.Kogan’ (a tart reference to Kogan’s politics.) This must be an authoritative performance … Kogan deals magnificently with a violin part that is seldom silent … Not surprisingly, Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes carries suggestions of the Enescu of the Romanian Rhapsodies. It receives a splendidly vigorous performance by Oistrakh” (Gramophone)