One of the most important releases of Canadian Classical Repertoire of 1998, JOHN WEINZWEIG: WINE OF PEACE is a celebration of almost half a century of compositions by the Dean of Canadian Composers. The focal point of the disc is the pristine restoration of the 1957 archival recording of Weinzweig’s cantata Wine of Peace. The cantata remains timely in its message. Two Songs for Soprano and Orchestra is a work commissioned for, and dedicated to, the tenth anniversary of the United Nations.

Wine of Peace is not only an important CD due to its repertoire (which includes performances seldom available to the general public, as well as never before released performances), it is important because it is a document of a composer who believes in his compositions as a most important means of communication. Wine of Peace is a CD sure to peak further interest in the work of a man who steered the course of Canadian music, and still continues to do so!

Reviews:

« …what better way to mark the event [John Weinzweig’s birthday] than the reissue of a number of authoritative CBC performances of his music… a classic performance by soprano Mary Simmons. » – William Litter, The Toronto Star, Aug. 22 1998

Track list:

1-3. Divertimento No.3 for bassoon and string orchestra

4-5. Wine of Peace

6. Prisoner of Conscience

7. Hockey Night in Canada

8. Concerto for piano and orchestra

9-11. Red Ear of Corn – Ballet Suite

Performers and other credits:
Divertimento No. 3
George Zuckerman (bassoon)
CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, John Avison

Wine of Peace
Mary Simmons (soprano)
CBC Symphony Orchestra, Walter Susskind

Prisoner of Conscience
Opera in Concert, Robert Cooper

Hockey Night in Canada
Opera in Concert, Robert Cooper

Piano Concerto
Paul Helmer (piano)
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Victor Feldbrill

Red Ear of Corn Suite
National Arts Centre Orchestra, Mario Bernardi