Finzi: Concerto for Clarinet and Strings / Brahms: Clarinet Sonata No. 2 / Strauss: Romanze in Eb [Import]

Gerald Finzi (Artist), Johannes Brahms (Artist), Richard Strauss (Artist), Margaret Donaghue (Artist), Thomas M. Sleeper (Artist), Russe State Philharmonic Orchestra (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 19, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Centaur
• ASIN: B00004YLFP
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,807 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Concerto for Clarinet & String Orchestra in C Minor, Op. 31: Allegro vigoroso

2. Concerto for Clarinet & String Orchestra in C Minor, Op. 31: Adagio, ma senza rigore

3. Concerto for Clarinet & String Orchestra in C Minor, Op. 31: Rondo: Allegro giocoso

4. Sonata for clarinet (or viola) & piano No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2: Allegro amabile

5. Sonata for clarinet (or viola) & piano No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2: Allegro appassionato

6. Sonata for clarinet (or viola) & piano No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2: Andante con moto... Allegro

7. Romance for clarinet & orchestra in E flat major, o.Op. 61 (TrV 80, AV 61)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A relatively good recording, October 5, 2002

By 

"qyve" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finzi: Concerto for Clarinet and Strings / Brahms: Clarinet Sonata No. 2 / Strauss: Romanze in Eb (Audio CD)

This recording of the Finzi Concerto certainly has some wonderful moments and is a decent investment for any clarinetist who would like to hear a piece that is grossly underplayed.
I do, however, have some issues with the orchestra as they seem to have some trouble playing in tune. The Clarinet Concerto just doesn't allow for a lax attitude where pitch is concerned and the overall effect of the piece seems slightly tarnished by pitch characteristics that are not consistent throughout the section. Margaret Donaghue makes a fantastic effort throughout the piece, however, and she presents a stunning performance of this work.
Thomas Sleeper's arrangement of the Brahms' Sonata is well done although there are either some dynamic problems within the orchestra or the orchestration itself is overdone and the clarinet is covered in some moments of the piece.
By and large, a nice bit of work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars gorgeous clarinet virtuosity, August 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Finzi: Concerto for Clarinet and Strings / Brahms: Clarinet Sonata No. 2 / Strauss: Romanze in Eb (Audio CD)

Rarely have I heard such a glorious sound emanate from the clarinet; Margaret Donaghue consistently plays like an angel. Of great interest as well are the unjustly-neglected Finzi Clarinet Concerto, and the fabulous new orchestration of Brahms' Clarinet sonata by the multitalented Thomas Sleeper, who provides a consistent accompaniment for Donaghue's breathtaking musicianship. This recording receives my highest rating.