Weber: Clarinet Concerto No. 1

1. Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op. 73 (J114)
Composed by Carl Maria von Weber
Performed by English Chamber Orchestra with Emma Johnson
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier

2. Introduction, Theme and Variations on a Swedish Air for clarinet & orchestra, Op 12
Composed by Bernhard Henrik Crusell
Performed by English Chamber Orchestra with Emma Johnson
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier

3. Concertino for clarinet & strings
Composed by Giuseppe Tartini
Performed by English Chamber Orchestra with Emma Johnson
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier

4. Rhapsodie for clarinet & piano (or orchestra), L. 116
Composed by Claude Debussy
Performed by English Chamber Orchestra with Emma Johnson
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier

Tracks:

Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.1 In F Minor, Op.73: Allegro
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.1 In F Minor, Op.73: Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.1 In F Minor, Op.73: Rondo - Allegretto
Concertino For Clarinet And Orchestra In E Flat Major, Op.26: Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Andante - Allegro
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.2 In E Flat Major, Op.74: Allegro
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.2 In E Flat Major, Op.74: Andante Con Moto
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra No.2 In E Flat Major, Op.74: Alla Polacca
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48: Allegro Con Fuego - Paul Meyer
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48: Andante Con Moto - Paul Meyer
Grand Duo Concertant For Clarinet And Piano, Op.48: Rondo - Paul Meyer

Customer Reviews:

Pleasing interpretations at an excellent price.......2006-11-06

These are not overly flashy performances, just very musical. Boeykens is technically secure, and he makes these works sound easy. His musicality is genial, with dramatic touches as required. His performances naturally delineate the form of the music, while tastefully playing up its early Romantic emotional qualities. Easily the best bargain in Weber clarinet concerto recordings. My opinion of the Meyers performance of the Grand Duo is similar.

good.......2005-08-16

This CD is well recorded and the musicianship is excellent. The compositions seem to me good but not great. A nice listen and good price.

Good Basic Weber CD.......2004-09-06

Boeyken's rendition of the Weber pieces are very good. I may agree with a previous poster that the performances aren't spectacularly exciting. However, as a clarinetist I've played and heard these pieces performed so many times that it would be next to impossible to create a "ground-breaking" recording, no matter how hard the clarinetist tries. That being said, Boeyken's renditions are very pleasant and played with technical perfection. They will not disappoint.

I personally like Paul Meyer's rendition of Grand Duo Concertante. It is quite fast, so many passages that might be intricately phrased at a slower tempo are just torn through by Meyer, but if you are looking for a technically impressive performance, this will do.

At the price, this is a great CD, especially for someone wanting to hear the Concerti played in a conservative style. My favorite Weber Concerti is Sabine Meyer's on EMI (her interpretations are much more daring than Boeykens), so you might check that out also. Any music fan's CD library should have enough room for many renditions of these famous staples from the clarinet world.

Nothing special, but worth a look.......2004-06-16

Walter Boeykens does not have a stand-out, easy-to-identify tone, and does not play with an outward charm. But however, the performance is technically flawless and confidently played. James Conlon, one of the great American conductors today, leads the Rotterdam to a phenominal accompainment.
In the Concertante, Paul Meyer plays his typical fast rendition. Though he pulled it off, this recording of the concertante seems a bit sloppy and unattractive to me. Perhaps it is because this is one of Meyer's earlier recording jobs prior to hitting it big with Denon in the early 90's. Anyway, his tonguing, especially in movement 1 was not quite sharp, and he also takes a long annoying repeat that rarely shows on any other recordings (and for good reason, too!), as a result prolonging the length of the first movement to well over 7 minutes.

Still, this disc is well worth buying. At a measly 6.98 bucks, it contains a lot of music: 4 complete pieces including 2 concertos, a set of variations (the concertino), and the concertante which is really a sonata-like composition. All centerpieces of romantic era solo clarinet literature.

An absolute steal!.......2004-04-15

What you get for $6 is absolutely amazing! Walter Boeykens takes the Weber Clarinet Concerti to new heights. In particular, his playing during the alla polacca of the Concerto in E-flat Major is nothing short of supberb. It is the most effortless version of these pieces that I have ever heard. I am buying more of these for family members; it's probably the best-valued clarinet CD out there today.

Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino; Clarinet Quintet

Average customer rating:

Polished playing, but somewhat aloof
Sabine Meyer - Best clarinetist alive
Just okay
Meyer's Recordings are the Best!

Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino; Clarinet Quintet

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Great Recordings Of The Century - Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, Sinfonia Concertante / Meyer, Vonk
Mozart: Concerto for clarinet in A; Debussy: Première Rhapsodie
Johann & Carl Stamitz: Clarinet Concertos
Sabine Meyer - A Night at the Opera
Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Grand Duo Concertante; Concertino

ASIN: B00008QSCT
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

I. Allegro (Cadenza - Heinrich Joseph Barmann)
II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
III. Rondo (Allegretto)
I. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I.Allegro
II. Romanza (Andante)
III. Alla Polacca
I. Allegro - Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn
II. Fantasia (Adagio Ma Non Troppo) - Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester
III. Menuetto (Capriccio Presto) & Trio - Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn
IV. Rondo (Allegro Giocoso) - Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn

Customer Reviews:

Polished playing, but somewhat aloof.......2006-11-06

For masterful clarinetistry and good taste, Ms. Meyer's Weber is first rate. My only issue is that she is often somewhat businesslike in her approach to the music. Weber was an early Romanticist, and much of his musical impetus comes from opera. Therefore, I would have liked to hear more Romantic expressiveness in these performances. Having said that, I still believe this recording is worth having, especially for clarinetists.

Sabine Meyer - Best clarinetist alive.......2006-06-18

She has evrything, extrordinary technique, fabulous intonation, inovative musical ideas that are all her own, and a beautiful, clear, clean, german tone that we all seem to strive for. What more could you ask for?

I saw her perform Mozart's clarinet quintet with the tokyo string quartet last Januery. The performance was unparalled. There was not one squeake, crack, or flaw in the technique, the interpratation was very fresh and new, and the exitment and spontaneity was never lost, even in the most carefully planed out passages.

This CD of Weber's clarinet works is absolutly definitive. These peices are performed so often nowadays that it is hard to give an original interpretation. Most recent recordings sound dry, over practiced, and cautious to the point where one recording sounds hardly different from the next.

The case is quite the contrary with this recording. Ms. Meyer makes each one of these warhorses sound so fresh and vital. The fast movements are played with much flare, drama, and enthusiasm. She tends to rush the ends passages before an orchestral tutti, but the effect just adds to the exicitment, you get the feeling of listening in a live performance. After all, there is nothing in the music that says not to rush, and each one is entitled to his own interpretation. In the slower movments she takes time to showcase her silvery tone and lyrical playing. The second movment of the the second concerto is *sung* as if it were from one of Weber's operas.

This recording belongs in every music lover's library. Very rarely do you hear a soloist play on the level of Ms. Meyer.

Just okay.......2006-05-28

While her technical proficiency is obvious, I don't enjoy the rampant rushing involved on almost every track of this cd. Overall, I will allow my students to listen to this cd once for an idea of the piece, but I would never allow them to study this recording in depth.

Meyer's Recordings are the Best!.......2006-03-13

I am a clarinet student at the CSULB College of the Arts and was referred to this recording by my private clarinet instructor. Meyer's interpretation and execution of the Weber Clarinet Concertos, Concertinos and Quintet are, by far, the most musical and advanced performances I have ever heard. Meyer's sheer technique is something to marvel at. Although she plays in the German school and performs on a German set-up, it gives those who plan to perform this piece a fabulous rendition to emulate. I couldn't be happier with this purchase, and though it is one of the more expensive recordings of the Weber Concertos, it is worth EVERY PENNY. An invaluable addition to any musical recording library.

Average customer rating:

Highly Recommended Interpretations
Highly Recommended Interpretations
Jon Manasse plays Weber
Terrific performance
Beautiful Music

The Complete Clarinet Music, Vol.2

Manufacturer: Xlnt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Complete Clarinet Music, vol 1 - Carl Maria von Weber / Manasse
John Manasse plays 3 Clarinet Concertos
French Portraits

ASIN: B000009ITV
Release Date: 1989-12-01

Tracks:

Concertino for Cl. & Orch., Op. 26 - 2,3,4. Concerto No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 73 - 5,6,7. Concerto No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 74 - 8. Andante e rondo ongarese (for Cl. & Orch.)

Album Description

The second in a 2-disc CD set of all of Weber's music featuring the clarinet; it includes the first recording of the clarinet-and-orchestra version of the Andante And Hungarian Rondo.

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended Interpretations.......2001-12-09

It is all too easy with Weber's clarinet works for the performer to take predominance over the music. With these performances, the music is at the forefront. This speaks very well of the artistry of Jon Manasse, whose beautiful tone, effortless facility and lovely phrasing always puts the music first. For that reason, these are my favorite recordings of these works.

Highly Recommended Interpretations.......2001-12-09

With these performances, the music is at the forefront. This speaks very well of the artistry of Jon Manasse, whose first rate playing always serves the music. It is all too easy with Weber's clarinet works for the performer to take predominance over the music. Manasse's beautiful tone, effortless facility and lovely phrasing always puts the music first. For that reason, these are my favorite recordings of these works.

Jon Manasse plays Weber.......2001-10-09

This recording by Jon Manasse of the Carl Maria von Weber, Concertino and Concertos No. 1 and 2 is very fine. Jon Manasse gives a lovely, sensitive performance of these pieces. One of the best I've heard. Even my husband, not a clarinet afficionado, enjoys it. He is equally impressive in live performances and I hope to see more CDs by him.

Terrific performance.......2001-03-26

Jon Manasse's performances on this disc are incredible. His tone and technique make you melt. He is always in control of his playing. Other recordings I've heard of the Weber pieces for clarinet have been overplayed, with the clarinetist trying too hard to display their technical expertise or virtuosity, losing sight of interpretation. Manasse's performance is virtuosity without flamboyance. His tone is rounded, never edgy or harsh. I have recommended this recording to many other people. Even if you have other recordings of these works by other performers, this one is worth purchasing.

Beautiful Music.......2000-06-15

Monasse gives a stunning performance (it is by far the best recording of these beautiful Weber pieces). The Andante and Rondo Ungarese for Viola and Orchestra in C minor, J 79 is rarely performed and not very well known, but it is my favorite on the disc. Manasse brings out the soul of this music in such a way that you would be a fool not to add this to your collection. :-) It is my favorite clarinet recording.

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Weber: And Not Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Impressed Clarinet Student

Best Of Weber

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best Of César Franck
Weber: Oberon
The Best of Paganini
The Best of Fauré
Weber: Der Freischütz

ASIN: B00000J9H3
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

Overture 'Der Freischutz'
Overture 'Oberon'
Overture 'Euryanthe'
Aufforderung zum Tanz, Op. 65: Invitation To The Dance
Konzerstuck In F minor, Op. 79
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 1. Allegro con fuoco
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 2. Andante
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 3. Scherzo. Presto
Symphony No. 1 In C, Op.19: 4. Finale. Presto

Tracks:

Overture 'Abu Hassan'
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 2. Adagio ma non troppo
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: 3. Rondo. Allegretto
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 2. Romanza. Andante
Clarinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: 3. Alla Polacca
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 1. Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 2. Fantasia. Adagio non troppo
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 3. Menuetto. Caoricio presto
Clarinet Quintet In B Flat, Op. 34: 4. Rondo. Allegro giocoso

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Weber: And Not Andrew Lloyd Webber!.......2005-09-24

Carl Maria Von Weber would himself enjoy this collection of his most famous and brilliant compositions. Released on the Phillips label, this 2 disc cd contains music of a composer who was largely considered to be the first composer of German Romantic opera in the 19th century which would quickly become the vogue of influential composers such as the young Richard Wagner. Von Weber (pronounced "Von-Vay-bur") lived and composed at the time of Beethoven, though the two probably never crossed paths and Von Weber outlived Beethoven by a couple of years. The post-classical, early Romantic style of music which was prevalent at the time is clearly stamped into this beautiful music. This cd is the best introduction to his music and if you're already a fan, it is a supremely delightful collection.

The disc begins with three overtures to Weber's Romantic operas, which were trend-setters at the time: his most famous work, Die Freischutz, Oberon and Euryanthe. These energetic and musically perfected overtures are conducted by the remarkable conductor, Antal Dorati and his Concertgebuow Orchestra of Amsterdam. Invitation to the Dance, one of Weber's popular piece, is conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras and the London Symphony Orchestra. Nikit Magaloff is the solo pianist in the Konzert in F with Sir Colin Davis conducting. This is a truly breathtaking piano concerto one unlike I've ever heard. It is not quite Beethovenesque, nor Mozartian, but it is compelling and maintains a very elegant charm all the way. His First Symphony is on here, and sounds excellent. Also here is the rare opera Abu Hasan Overture as well as music Weber wrote for Clarinet. All in all this is a fine collection of his most beautiful and popular music.

Impressed Clarinet Student.......2000-02-04

I recently played the Weber Concerto 1 in a competition and bought the recording to help me with it. Weber is an incredible composer and I have found this CD to be inspiring and entertaining! It's a great set.

Average customer rating:

(untitled)
Shifrin shines in Weber's concertos
Painful Clarinet Concertos

Weber: Clarinet Concertos

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto; Clarinet Quintet
Brahms: Clarinet Sonata In E Flat/Clarinet Sonata In F/Schumann: Fantasiestücke,Op.73
Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Concertino; Clarinet Quintet
Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Grand Duo Concertante; Concertino
Johann & Carl Stamitz: Clarinet Concertos

ASIN: B00000I8GO
Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

Allegro
Romanza
Alla Polacca
Allegro
Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Rondo
Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra In E-Flat Major, Op. 26

Customer Reviews:

(untitled).......2005-01-20

Not being a clarinetist, I cannot fully appreciate this CD, but as a lover of music, I highly reccomend this well done recording. The clarity of the CD is fabulous, the orchestra is very impressive, and the clarinetist, David S., plays the Weber with a fiery intensity that I can not describe to its fullness through words. It is most definately worth purchasing.

Shifrin shines in Weber's concertos.......2005-01-20

I almost didn't purchase this CD due an unfavorable review it received, but I overcame my doubts and purchased it anyway, much to my delight. Weber's clarinet concertos are among the most enjoyable in the repertoire, and David Shifrin provides an equally enjoyable performance. Overall, his tone is, as usual with him, incredibly soft and smooth; and his technique is flawless throughout. Occasionally his intonation is slightly off, especially on some of the high notes, but this by no means mars the performance. Another good thing about this album is that it combines all three of Weber's compositions for clarinet and orchestra on one disc.

The Concerto No. 2 in E-flat is featured first; this is structurally the most straightforward of the three (although out of the three it is most demanding on the soloist), with the first movement written in straight sonata form with the strings dominating the accompaniment. The second movement is very operatic in nature, with sudden register leaps and dramatic declamations; it is here that most of the intonation problems occur, but again they do not hamper one's enjoyment of the music. The finale, a polacca, is dazzling virtuoso writing, some of the most difficult music written for the clarinet, but Shifrin makes it sounds effortless. It's mind-blowing musicianship.

The Concerto No. 1 in F minor is more varied in style and texture than the second concerto. The first movement is very dark and serious, reminiscent of the famous Wolf's Glen scene from Weber's opera Der Freischütz. After a menacing orchestral ritornello, the clarinet enters quietly, alone. After the mysterious opening section, the piece switches to a major key for the development, but before long we are back in F minor as the clarinet runs up and down its range in a sinister, unsettling conclusion. Again, the second movement is a songlike quasi-aria, but this time there is a fast, tempestuous middle section that recalls the darkness of the first movement. In the third movement, however, all shadows are dispelled as the clarinet engages in a playful, scherzo-like romp with the orchestra, some of the most fun of Weber's writing for the clarinet.

The Concertino in E-flat is probably the most popular and enjoyable of the three concerto pieces. Written in one extended movement, the piece begins with a slow introduction in C minor, followed by a theme and variations pattern in the home key of E-flat. Capping it all off is a delightful, lilting 6/8 finale that is at once charming and technically impressive.

As for the quality of the recorded sound, I did not find it to be quite up to par with Delos' usual high quality recording standards; it sounds tinny at higher volumes and the orchestral sound lacks defining clarity. However, that does not drastically affect one's enjoyment of the album, and I find myself listening to it again and again, despite its flaws, and loving it every time.

Painful Clarinet Concertos.......2000-08-27

This latest release from Delos promises both to stun and to intrigue. The recording is yet another release of the Clarinet Concertos by Weber that falls very short of the musical mark. This recording falls short in many respects. The first striking blunder of the recording is the terrible orchestral sound in the introduction to the Second Concerto. It is remarkable how fowl the ensemble and balance is maintained. The woefullness is matched only by the entrance of the clarinet. David Shifrin who is known for his warmth and "bel canto" approach to the clarinet demonstrates throughout the recording poor intonation, sense of line, tonal beauty, and musical taste. To his credit, Shifrin is a clarinetist who can not be matched in the number of musical ideas, yet he seems here almost totally incapable of expressing them. Hopefully this is not a representation of the state of David Shifrins current musicianship. Golub and his band maintain a good balance with Shifrin throughout in maintaining the lowest musical stadards yet to be put on recording of the Weber Concerti. I would strongly recommend the Weber Concertos of Jon Manasse or Sabine Meyer as much better alternatives to this distrubing recording.

Carl Maria von Weber: Clarinet Concertos

Average customer rating:

Joie de vive

Carl Maria von Weber: Clarinet Concertos

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Weber: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Ravel: The Piano Concertos; Valses nobles et sentimentales
Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich,

ASIN: B0000030S9
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: ist Movement: Allegro
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: Second Movement: Adagio ma non troppo
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 73: Third Movement; Rondo (Allegretto)
Calrinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: First Movement: Allegro
Calrinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: Second Movement: Andante con moto
Calrinet Concerto No. 2 In E Flat, Op. 74: Third Movement: Alla Polacca
Concertino For Clarinet And Strings, Op. 26: Adagio, ma non troppo - Tema con Variazioni, Andante - Allegro
Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48: First Movement: Allegro con fuoco
Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48: Second Movement: Andante con moto
Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48: Third Movement: Rondo (Allegro)

Customer Reviews:

Joie de vive.......2005-11-16

Emma Johnson is well-known for her joyous readings of romantic era clarinet works and she fulfills that legend very well in this disk of Weber. She is not noted for extreme wonders of passagework and occasionally there is a smudge in her technique. These small moments do little to deter enjoyment of this issue.

I have heard these concertos performed by other clarinetists including Antony Pay, an Englishman that plays a period clarinet. Pay is a better technician than Johnson and performs everything very well. He does not match Johnson is her joyous approach to the music, however.

In particular the support for the two concertos (Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor by English Chamber Orchestra conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier and Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E flat major conducted by Gerard Schwarz) is highly charged and romantic and suits Johnson's apporach perfectly.

The lesser items on this disk -- the Concertino for clarinet & orchestra in E flat major and the Grand duo concertante in B flat major for clarinet & piano accompanied by Gordon Back -- fill out a splendid disk of Weber clarinet music. I doubt you could find this much at this high quality in another collection.

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Compilation Disc
A Great Wind Player
Marvelous, especially the Mozart pieces
Beautiful clarinet playing

Romanza: The Art of the Clarinet

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004SPSX
Release Date: 2000-10-10

Tracks:

The Faithful Music Master: Carillon in F - Otto Steinkopf/Frithjof Fest
Qnt in A, K.581: 1. Allegro - Gervase De Peyer/Amadeus Qt
Con in A, K.622: 2. Adagio - Alfred Prinz
Duo in C, WoO 27: 1. Allegro Commodo - Jost Michaels/Albert Hennige
Qnt in B flat, Op.34: 3. Menuetto: Capriccio Presto - Eduard Brunner/Hagen Qt
Qnt in b, Op.155: 1. Allegro - Karl Leister/Amadeus Qt
Trio in a, Op.114: 3. Andantino Grazioso - Tamas Vasary/Karl Leister/Ottomar Borwitzky
Four Pieces, Op.5: 1. Massig - Antony Pay/Daniel Barenboim
Four Pieces, Op.5: 2. Sehr Langsam - Antony Pay/Daniel Barenboim
Four Pieces, Op.5: 3. Sehr Rasch - Antony Pay/Daniel Barenboim
Four Pieces, Op.5: 4. Langsam - Antony Pay/Daniel Barenboim
Son: 2. Romanza: Tres Calme - Karl Leister/James Levine
Three Pieces: 1. Sempre Pno E Molto Tranquillo. 1/4=52 - Alain Damiens
Three Pieces: 2. 1/8=168 - Alain Damiens
Three Pieces: 3. 1/8-160 - Alain Damiens

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Compilation Disc.......2004-09-05

This is an excellent compilation disc of clarinet music. It contains a good variety of music, but enough non-standard pieces that it doesn't end up being just another CD with Mozart/Brahms/Weber... Most of the pieces on this disc are standard repertoire (Mozart, Brahms, Weber, Stravinsky, Poulenc..) but there are also some less well known pieces such as a Teleman duet for chalumeaux, Beethoven duet for clarinet/bassoon, and Berg's brilliant 4 Pieces (this piece is not often recorded, and the disc is worth buying for this piece alone!).

The disc features a variety of performers, which further increases the diversity of this disc. All the musicians play very well.

The BEST feature of this disc is that you can put it into a computer (doesn't work on apples, unfortunately) and you can watch the scores of the music while they play. You can even print some of them. This is really a valuable feature.

This compilation is brave enough to stray from the standard rep and offer some lesser known masterpieces in addition to the staples. Additionally, with the computer feature, you can't NOT buy this CD.

A Great Wind Player.......2004-05-22

His tone may not be that bright, but it mixes perfectly well the other woodwinds and the orchestra as a whole. And like many musicians of the older generation, be it Dohnanyi (composer/pianist), or Rachmaninoff, or Bartok, or Backhaus, their tempi are never that rigid, and their scales never that even, but they are full of live, so vivid and so effective. So, when Carl comes to the second movement, like these great muscians of the past, his sweet-bitter tone is apt to break your heart...

Marvelous, especially the Mozart pieces.......2003-08-30

I actually bought this CD just for one piece, which is the Mozart Quintet in A. I had been haunted by that piece since (just as millions of TV watchers did) I heard it in the final episode of M*A*S*H, "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen." This gentle yet melancholic piece was the cornerstone of Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III's subplot -- he was endeavoring to get some Chinese POW's to play it properly and actually making some progress until his "orchestra" was taken off the compound to be repatriated. Their tragic fate would later lead Winchester to say that music had been his escape from the harshness of the war, but that it would now forever remind him of it. For many years afterwards I would hear the Quintet's opening phrases, particularly when I was sad. I bought Romanza primarily for this piece, and Gervaise de Peyer performs it wonderfully.

I have grown rather fond of the other pieces, particularly the Telemann and Beethoven compositions, but I always play Track 2 first.

Beautiful clarinet playing.......2003-01-03

This is an excellent collection of clarinet music. All the perfomers have beautiful tone and execute technically difficult passages very well. The cd has a good variety of pieces for clarinet, ranging from a baroque chalumeaux (predecessor of the modern clarinet) duet to Mozart and eventually to Stravinsky. I have studied the clarinet for eight years and have worked on some of the pieces on this cd. I am highly impressed with this recording.

Average customer rating:

Get this, you'll like it.

The Best of Classics for Relaxation

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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25 Classical Favorites

ASIN: B000023VSI
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Get this, you'll like it........2003-07-25

This really is a great CD, I don't see how anyone could not enjoy this CD.

Average customer rating:

Good Starter Disc
A great sampling of some of the best
A great sampling of some of the best
A Great Recording of Clarinet Music

The Magic Of The Clarinet

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005EBZ
Release Date: 1994-08-02

Tracks:

Con No 1 Op. 73: Rondo - Allegretto - Walter Boykens
Sonate Op. 120 No 1: Allegretto gracioso
Sonate Op. 120 No 1: Vivce
8 Piece No 8 in e: Moderato
Com KV622, in A: Adagio - Jacques Lancelot
Con No 2 Op 74, in E flat: Alla Polacca - Walter Boykens
Sonate Op. 120 No 2 in E flat:Allegro amabile
Rapsodie: In B flat - Clarinet Orchestra
Grand duo con Op. 48: Andante com moto
Concerto KV622 - in A: Rondo - Antony Morf

Customer Reviews:

Good Starter Disc.......2005-06-08

This was my first clarinet CD ever (my parents put it in my Christmas stocking when I was in high school).

This disc contains some very good clarinet music, and would make a good introduction CD for someone wanting a taste of clarinet music.

If you already have a few clarinet CDs, this disc may be of limited interest, mostly because it's repertoire is limited and contains pieces that (for the most part) are already widely recorded. There are excerpts from the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Weber Clarinet Concerti, Brahms Clarinet Sonatas, Bruch's 8 Pieces for clarinet/viola, as well the orchestral version of Debussy's Premiere Rhapsody. With the exception of the Bruch, these are all very common pieces that most clarinetists probably already have one (or several) recordings of.

If you are looking for a good starter disc for you or someone else trying to get into clarinet music, this is a great disc.

A great sampling of some of the best.......2000-12-03

This is a wonderful c.d. It has some of the greatest clarinet music ever on it. It introduced me to some pieces of music I had never heard and now I own all of the written music so I can play them myself. This has some of the best clarinetists on it too. The only thing I was disappointed in was the recording of the Mozart it is a little old and the quality isn't good on it. It is a highly recommended sampling of the greats.

A great sampling of some of the best.......2000-12-03

A Great Recording of Clarinet Music.......1999-11-13

This CD is a wonderful sampling of some of the best pieces ever written for the clarinet! I've heard several different recordings of the pieces on this CD, and I also feel that "The Magic of the Clarinet" has some of the best versions of these pieces. It is a must have!