Weinberg’s symphonies are recognized today as a substantial continuation of the Russian tradition. Weinberg’s Symphony No. 12 was written in the style and spirit of Shostakovich and is a response to the death in August 1975 of his great friend and supporter of 32 years. With its subtle stylistic allusions to Shostakovich, this is the longest and most wide-ranging of Weinberg’s purely orchestral symphonies. This recording has been prepared utilising the composer’s hand written materials and markings. One of only two surviving ballet scores, The Golden Key is a compelling satire, extending a lineage which includes Prokofiev and Stravinsky.

Our ongoing cycle of Mieczysław Weinberg’s symphonies has been universally acclaimed. A “performance of searing intensity” (BBC Music Magazine) of the Symphony No. 8 (8572873) was awarded Diapason d’Or and recommended by ClassicsToday.com as “a very fine release of music by an elusive but tremendously sincere and worthy composer”.

The St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra conducted by its American principal guest conductor Vladimir Lande has also recorded Weinberg’s Symphony No. 19 (8572752) and Symphony No. 6 (8572779), with Lande’s conducting considered as having “an understanding and fervour that is greatly superior” (Gramophone) to any of the recorded alternatives.

• Weinberg: Suite No. 4 from ‘The Golden Key’, Op. 55d
• Weinberg: Symphony No. 12 ‘In memoriam D. Shostakovich’