Search - Samuel Barber, John Corigliano, Zubin Mehta :: John Corigliano: Concerto for Clarinet; Samuel Barber: Third Essay for Orchestra

Superb clarinet

Paul Reynolds | Kansas City, MO | 11/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disk marks the coupling of two of America's most prominent musicians: Stanley Drucker and John Corigliano. This concerto was written specifically for Drucker's abilities, and it shows. Even though it has been recorded by others (most notably Richard Stoltzman), the piece is most at home in Drucker's hands. Lightning-fast fingerwork and intricate glissando patterns are handled with ease by Drucker and the NY Philharmonic plays the background hauntingly well. Fans of the clarinet will find a masterpiece of the late 20th century here that is fun to listen to every time. Even folks without a special interest for clarinet literature will be delighted by this amazing work. Special effects abound, leaving the clarinet player's jaw dropped, constantly wondering "How in the world does he do it??" Heartily recommended for anyone, especially clarinetists."

Good, but doesn't compare with Stoltzman

Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 08/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Disclaimer: I love Stoltzman. I think his recording of the Corigliano Concerto is magnificent, so it's from that p.o.v. of that listened to and reviewed the Drucker recording.



As a clarinetist, I'm reluctant to criticize ANY clarinetist who is capable of performing this piece at all, so despite a few stylistic issues, I think Drucker's performance still deserves 5 stars. My main complaint is that Drucker seems to rip through the technical material with little regard for the expressive qualities of the writing. There are some spots, like the opening runs of the 1st movement, which should be played as fast as possible, but many other passages should (I think) be played with more attention to the expressive qualities of the writing. Don't get me wrong, they should still be played quickly, but Drucker occassionaly sounds almost robotic (whereas Stotlzman makes much more of the "cadenza" feel of the playing in these sections). Also, I felt that the 2nd movement was played a little quickly. Drucker's tempo is probably closer than Stoltzmans to the tempo written in the score, so Drucker's may be more "correct". However, I feel that the slower tempo taken by Stoltzman intensifies the painful, desolate nature of the movement. The 3rd movement is well done, but I feel that the quasi-cadenza section near the end (which follows the timpani solos) is similarly ripped through too quickly.



That being said, the recording is also good in many ways. The orchestral writing in the concerto is brilliant, with many solos for various instruments. I heard many different things coming from this orchestra than on Stoltzman's recordings. Obviously, neither is right. It's just interesting to hear both orchestra's interpretation of the very difficult orchestral part.



While I prefer Stoltzman's rendition, it's' valuable to hear the piece played by the orchestra and soloist it was written for. Drucker's rendition is probably closer to Corigliano's original intentions (as it was written with him in mind), and for this reason, it's a valuable recording. Another small thing (though I always enjoy this...). The CD contains excellent program notes and interviews with the composers (which are particularly interesting).



This CD is very good. While you probably won't be blown away, you certainly won't be disappointed either."

Truly Virtuoso Clarinet Performance

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Written for one such as Drucker, this performance is awesome, as it demonstrates the skill of both instrumentalist, composer, conductor and orchestra. As the liner notes state, Bernstein at one of first rehersals expressed the difficulty of it, but came through with marvelous performance of it.It showcases virtuoso skills of orchestra as well, with marvelous antiphonal element in second movement, as well as neat tymp parts. This is all climaxed by showcase Toccata, highlighting the exhilirating play of both clarinetist and orchestra.Listening to this grows on one. Barber's final composition was this. This neo-romantic style goes well on the heels of such as Corigliano.Great service done to these pieces by Mehta and the New York Phil."