Customer Reviews

Mozart: Clarinet Concerto (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

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

 

 

Mozart's K. 622 is certainly one of his greatest concerti. If you have listened to this work several times, or simply want a better understanding, Lawson's book is ideal. Although I am not a clarinetist, this book has profoundly shaped my listening and appreciation of this masterpiece.

True to this Cambridge series, the concerto is put into its historical context. Did you know that the clarinet used in the late 1700s was toned differently than today's? Did you know there is no cadenza?

The chapter on design and structure is arguably the best set of program notes on the piece. The descriptions are nearly bar-by-bar, so you will need to have a score handy. For example, the development section of the first movement (Allegro) changes tonality from E major to F# minor to D major to B minor to F# minor in about 20 bars. Where the book does justice is to show parrallels both within movements as well as between movements.
Indeed, there are even references to other Mozart works, especially to the esteeemd Clarinet Quintet and even clarinet portrayls in Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte. Ideally, this book would have been more accessible through an interactive CD-ROM with links to those themes. This then is the reason to get the book--the rich context, both musically and historically, in which this piece is put. In other words, a careful reading of Chapter 6, with a recording and the score, and my finger on the pause button, have given me increased insight into not only this piece, but several other Mozart conerti and arias.

Please note that the book is scholarly and I have onl described a single chapter. For most other books, I would not consider the purchase of a book for a single chapter a good value. Hoewver, bearing in mind that Mozart's Clarinet Conerto is THE definitive clarinet concerto and a piece no Mozart lover should be without, it is a worthwhile investment. To the first time listener, the last movement, with its rapid changes in tessitura, rich textures, and addictive melodies will offer the listener bubbling satisfaction. By reading the book, it will offer increased insight into this masterpeice of this genius.

An excellant book for the clarinet player and Mozart enthusiast. It provides clear concise information regarding the conception of the concerto as well as the various people who helped shape the piece. Included is a comparision of the concerto today and the original version and how it has been modified in the 200+ years of it's existance due to the changes made to the clarinet, etc. A must have piece of literature, as a clarinet player and advancing musician, I highly reccommend it.