This first recording on Delos by the Vilnius Quartet, Lithuania’s most famous export, is in keeping with the Delos commitment to unique, previously unknown but important music. With pianist Golda Vainberg-Tatz, also Lithuanian by birth and recognized throughout Europe and America, these performances showcase music much prized by Vainberg’s mentor, Dmitri Shostakovich.

Polish Jewish composer Moisei Vainberg, whose work is gaining recognition in Europe, was a musical visionary who survived Nazism and Stalinism. Until now rarely heard outside of Russia, Vainberg’s music is laden with emotions: sadness, pain, darkness, folkloric Russian imagery, at times stirringly lyrical and profoundly meditative.

“The group’s ensemble is virtually flawless… Their sound is quite extraordinary – rich like fine chocolate whose taste dominates the senses but never cloys. There is also intangible oneness that eludes analysis and that, as with the best marriages, is the hallmark of only the most mature and mutually nourishing relationships.” – The Boston Globe

String Quartet No. 11, Op. 89
String Quartet No. 13, Op. 118
Piano Quintet Op. 18