Exploring the Artistry of Erich Wolfgang Korngold

The acclaimed Pacifica Quartet returns to Cedille Records with a new, double-disc album celebrating the chamber works of Erich Wolfgang Korngold. This recording continues Pacifica’s tradition of delving deeply into the musical worlds of singular composers, following their acclaimed explorations of Mendelssohn, Shostakovich, and others. The Pacifica Quartet’s discography on Cedille Records exemplifies the value the Quartet places on deeply investigating their music. Cellist Brandon Vamos has remarked, “We learned a lot from recordings. When we come away from a recording, we’re always more in tune . . . . We think about every little phrase of that work. When we record that work under that magnifying glass and take it back to the stage, it’s much more meaningful because we’ve really looked inside of it as opposed to learning a piece, getting up, playing it, and moving on.”

With its characteristic blend of precision, passion, and insight, Pacifica — joined by guest artists Orion Weiss, piano; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; and Eric Kim, cello — offers listeners a rare opportunity to experience the depth and sophistication of Korngold’s chamber writing.

Although Korngold is best known in the United States for his groundbreaking success as a film composer in Hollywood’s Golden Age, his musical journey began long before his cinematic fame. A child prodigy and celebrated composer in early 20^th-century Vienna, Korngold created a wealth of chamber music that reveals his command of late-Romantic lyricism and his distinctive harmonic voice. These works, rich in beauty and emotional power, demonstrate why he’s considered one of the great musical dramatists of his time — on and off the screen.

This ambitious new recording has been made possible through the generous underwriting of Eva Lichtenberg and Arnold Tobin, longtime champions of Cedille projects highlighting composers whose careers were impacted by the rise of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust. Their support ensures that Korngold’s chamber works — too often overshadowed by his Hollywood legacy — receive the thoughtful interpretation and wide audience they deserve.

Through this album, Cedille and the Pacifica Quartet aim to broaden listeners’ understanding of Korngold’s artistry, illuminating a vital chapter in 20^th-century music. The recording not only reintroduces a composer of immense depth and humanity but also celebrates the power of recorded music to preserve and reawaken overlooked legacies. The Pacifica Quartet’s Korngold Collection will be released on November 14, 2025.