[1] In January 1953, Weinberg had been arrested by Soviet authorities on charges of "Jewish bourgeois nationalism" as part of the Doctors' plot and sentenced to execution.
However, the death of Stalin shortly after caused his release and marked the start of an era of renewed creative freedom for the composer, who remained in Moscow.
[2][1] However, influences of the older Soviet composers persist; Weinberg himself notes that "the Shostakovich school has been fundamental for my artistic work.
[3] The piece is notable for its motivic unity, with a common Largo theme in E minor thematically linking all four movements together.
The following contemplative and deeply nostalgic Adagio provides a moment of rest before the final Allegro, featuring another dance-like main theme progressively gaining in intensity and despair.