Composer: Witold Lutosławski, Krzysztof Penderecki, Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Mieczyslaw Weinberg
Performer: Shirley Brill, Jonathan Aner
Orchestra:
Conductor:
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hänssler
Catalogue: HC22063
Release: 2023
Size: 970 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Schumann: Stücke im Volkston, Op. 102
01. Mit Humor
02. Langsam
03. Nicht schnell, mit viel Ton zu spielen
04. Nicht zu rasch
05. Stark und markiert
Penderecki: Three Miniatures for Clarinet & Piano
06. Allegro
07. Andante cantabile
08. Allegro ma non troppo
Schumann C: Romances, Op. 22
09. Andante molto
10. Allegretto
11. Leidenschaftlich schnell
Lutosławski: Dance Preludes
12. Allegro molto
13. Andantino
14. Allegro giocoso
15. Andante
16. Allegro molto
Weinberg: Sonata for Clarinet & Piano, Op. 28
17. Allegro
18. Allegretto
19. Adagio
The starting point for the recording of the album ROOTS was a concert in which Shirley Brill performed Mieczysław Weinberg’s Sonata for the first time and was deeply moved by its overwhelming emotional power. Being Jewish herself, she resonated deeply with the rich Klezmer folkloric elements expressed so intensely in this Sonata. This experience ignited her passion to explore the integration of national sentiments into classical music, with a particular focus on the neighbouring countries of Germany and Poland. On ROOTS, Shirley Brill has curated a collection of pieces that demonstrate a masterful integration of folkloric elements, exuding pride in original folk music and a healthy sense of national identity. Yet, this aspect also belongs to the folklore within the music that is heard here: over the course of the 100 years in which the recorded works were composed, an excessive embrace of radical ideologies has slipped into dangerous nationalism. Weinberg’s life and his Clarinet Sonata composed in 1945 serve as a poignant reminder of the catastrophic consequences of such extremism. The range of works presented on the album ROOTS sheds light on the delicate balance between the celebration of cultural heritage (as in the music of Schumann and Lutosławski) and the intrusion of the destructive forces of nationalism (Weinberg). ROOTS testifies to the power of music to promote unity while simultaneously cautioning us to remain vigilant against the pitfalls of extremist doctrines.