Richard Stoltzman - Essential Clarinet (1992)

Okay, at the risk of sounding crazy, Richard Stoltzman is the greatest thing that ever happened to clarinet music!! There are no words to describe the great talent he displays on this CD. I've personally perfomed the Copland Concerto (not anywhere nearly as well as him, though) and I'm baffled by his technical skill and how easy he makes it sound. I've heard many versions of this (including the original by Goodman) and Stoltzman's jazzy interpretation is wonderful and not at all over-done (as far as smears and what not). The Stravinsky is really nice, but might take a little getting used to. I really enjoy it though. The Berstein is really nice, but I do agree w/ another review which said it was largely filler… there isn't a whole lot of clarinet in the "Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs", but what there is is fantastic.

Now, for the Corigliano. I've met Corigliano before, and the man is a genious (as is evident in his music). Beware of "Cadenzas"… it starts really soft, but gets really loud so be ready to adjust the volume at a moments notice. The last movement is unbelievable. Stoltzman really showcases his abillities here. There is a quasi-cadenza in the clarinet in the third section after a little timpani solo that is amazing. I've listened to it several times and I still can't grasp how he makes the sounds he does (you really have to hear it to understand). While a little harder on the listener than a "typical" concerto, this one is really nice. Corigliano manages to showcase the most wonderful qualities of the clarinet AND create unique and inspiring sounds in the orchestra (especially in the first movement). This is a must have for any music lover (clarinetist or not).

Tracklist

Aaron Copland: Clarinet Concerto 17:52
Concerto for Clarinet, Strings, Harp & Piano

Performed by London Symphony Orchestra and Richard Stoltzman
Conducted by Lawrence Leighton Smith

Igor Stravinsky: Ebony Concerto, for clarinet & jazz band 9:39
1. Ebony Concerto: Allegro moderato
2. Ebony Concerto: Andante
3. Ebony Concerto: Moderato; Con moto

Performed by Richard Stoltzman and Woody Herman's Thundering Herd
Conducted by Richard Stoltzman

Leonard Bernstein: Prelude, Fugue & Riffs 7:25
for clarinet & jazz ensemble

Performed by London Symphony Orchestra and Richard Stoltzman
Conducted by Lawrence Leighton Smith

John Corigliano: Clarinet Concerto 30:17
1. Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra: Cadenzas
2. Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra: Elegy
3. Concerto For Clarinet And Orchestra: Antiphonal Toccata

Performed by London Symphony Orchestra and Richard Stoltzman
Conducted by Lawrence Leighton Smith