Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Carl Maria von Weber's clarinet concertos with this exquisite album, released on October 2, 2020, by Glossa. This collection showcases two of Weber's most renowned works: the Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 73, J. 114, and the Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 118. Each concerto is a masterclass in composition, with the first featuring three distinct movements—Allegro, Adagio ma non troppo, and Rondo. Allegretto—and the second offering a similarly engaging structure with Allegro, Romanza. Allegro con moto, and Polacca.
The album also includes a unique addition: a single-movement clarinet concerto by Karol Kurpinski, a Polish contemporary of Weber, providing a delightful contrast to the main works. This inclusion offers a fresh perspective and enriches the listening experience.
Performed by the esteemed clarinetist Eric Hoeprich, this album benefits from his use of a historical clarinet, a copy of the instrument played by Heinrich Baermann, the dedicatee of Weber's concertos. Accompanied by the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, conducted by Guy Van Waas, the performances are both authentic and vibrant, capturing the essence of the early 19th-century musical landscape.
With a total runtime of 54 minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Weber's clarinet concertos, enhanced by the inclusion of Kurpinski's work. It's a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone eager to discover the timeless beauty of these compositions.
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