Virtuoso Clarinet Masterpieces: Bernhard Henrik Crusell's Complete Concertos CD

Product Details

• UPC/EAN: 0761195096529
• Product Type: Music CD
• Brand/Label: Ondine
• MPN: ODE 965-2
• Soloist: Kari Kriikku, clarinet
• Conductor: Sakari Oramo
• Orchestra: Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Composer: Bernhard Henrik Crusell (1775–1838)
• Genre: Classical, Orchestral
• Style: Classical/Early Romantic, Concerto
• Release Year: 2000 (2000 Ondine Inc., Helsinki)

Overview

This exceptional CD presents the complete set of Clarinet Concertos by the Finnish-Swedish composer and celebrated clarinet virtuoso, Bernhard Henrik Crusell. Crusell's concertos are considered vital links between the Classical style of Mozart and the early Romanticism of Weber, showcasing both elegance and brilliant technical demands. Clarinetist Kari Kriikku, renowned for his dynamic performances, brings these works to life with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Sakari Oramo.

The album includes the Concerto in B-flat Major, Op. 11, the Concerto in F Minor, Op. 5, and the Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. I. The music is characterized by Crusell's deep understanding of the clarinet's lyrical and agile capabilities, featuring soaring slow movements and lively, often Polish-inspired, finales. This recording is an essential addition for those exploring the clarinet repertoire beyond the standard masterpieces, demonstrating Crusell's mastery as a composer for his own instrument.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD, DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Total Duration: (Approx.)
• Solo Instrument: Clarinet
• Liner Notes: Texte en français • Deutsche Textbeilage (Texts in French and German)
• Manufacturing: Manufactured in Austria

Interesting Facts

• The Clarinet Virtuoso: Bernhard Henrik Crusell was not only a gifted composer but also one of the foremost clarinet virtuosos of his time, holding the principal clarinet position in the Royal Court Orchestra in Stockholm for many years.
• A Bridge Composer: Crusell's music effectively bridges the gap between the high Classical period (Mozart, Haydn) and the dawn of Romanticism (Weber, Mendelssohn), blending formal clarity with expressive warmth.
• The "Alla polacca" Finale: The final movement of the Concerto in B-flat Major, Op. 11, is marked "III Alla polacca", indicating a dance in the Polish style, characteristic of the lively European popular music often adopted by Classical composers.

Track Listing Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in B-flat Major, Op. 11 (22:04)

1. I Allegro risoluto (10:05)
2. II Andante moderato (5:18)
3. III Alla polacca (6:42)

Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in F Minor, Op. 5 (22:21)

1. I Allegro (11:10)
2. II Andante pastorale (5:27)
3. III Rondo (Allegretto) (5:44)

Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in E-flat Major, Op. I (19:32)

1. I Allegro (10:16)
2. II Adagio (3:26)
3. III Rondo (Allegretto) (5:50)

Publishers

• Edition: Edition Reimers
• Publisher/Copyright: $\copy$ 2000 Ondine Inc., Helsinki
• Manufacturing: Manufactured in Austria

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