Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.