Artistic project

Discovering a Sonic Universe
The Four Solo Cello Sonatas by Mieczysław Weinberg

Mario Brunello leads and curates a unique artistic project dedicated to the rediscovery of the solo cello repertoire by Russian composer Mieczysław Weinberg.

“I can say that, after Bach’s six Suites for solo cello, Weinberg’s four Sonatas represent the most impressive and significant cycle in the entire solo cello repertoire — both for their innovative language and their musical impact.”
— M. Brunello

During the workshop, four students selected from the cello class of the Stauffer Academy will have the opportunity to delve into and work on one of Weinberg’s four solo cello sonatas (Op. 72, 121, 106, and 140), under the exceptional guidance of Maestro Brunello.

The workshop will conclude with a tribute concert, where all four students will perform the complete cycle of these extraordinary sonatas.

“In the four sonatas for solo cello, Weinberg essentially invents a new model of expressiveness for the instrument. […] The uniqueness, visionary scope, and boldness of his compositional choices are disarming — one never stops discovering how deep this music can go.”
— M. Brunello

Mieczysław Weinberg, born in Warsaw in 1919, is one of the most significant figures of the Soviet musical world and a close friend and collaborator of the more famous Dmitri Shostakovich. A prolific composer — author of 22 symphonies, 17 string quartets, 30 sonatas, and many other works — his music always maintains a highly original personal voice, embracing the influences of diverse genres and styles.