MIECZYSLAW WEINBERG’S WORKS FOR CELLO AND ORCHESTRA: A PERFORMANCE GUIDE WITH EMPHASIS ON A COMPARISON OF THE CONCERTO FOR CELLO AND ORCHESTRA, OP. 43 AND CONCERTINO FOR CELLO AND STRING ORCHESTRA, OP. 43B

Abstract

Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996) was a Polish-Jewish composer who fled to the Soviet Union during World War II. Despite growing scholarly interest in his music, he remains one of the most understudied composers of the twentieth century, with significant gaps remaining in the existing literature, leaving considerable gaps in the existing literature. In particular, his works for cello and orchestra lack detailed and in-depth research. This study focuses on three of his works for cello and orchestra: the Concertino, Op. 43b, the Concerto, Op. 43, and the Fantasy for Cello and Orchestra, with the aim of providing a comprehensive performance guide for cellists in preparing and interpreting these works. Drawing on existing literature, each work is examined through historical and theoretical analysis, including an exploration of Jewish and Polish folk influences on Weinberg’s compositional style. Comparative analysis of Op. 43 and Op. 43b is also employed to examine the compositional similarities and differences between the two works. A primary finding of this research is the identification of Polish and Jewish folk elements in these works. These elements have not been clearly analyzed in existing scholarship. Furthermore, a comparative analysis reveals the structural and melodic differences between the two works, offering performers a clearer understanding of how to approach each work. This research hopes to promote an understanding of Weinberg’s music. By highlighting these three cello works, the author hopes to encourage future scholars to explore in greater depth the areas not covered in this study.