These popular clarinet concertos, both written in 1811,
follow in the classical tradition of Mozart while showcasing the
instrument's new technical possibilities. They arose from the
fortunate introduction of composer Carl Maria von Weber to one of
the era's greatest clarinetists, Heinrich Joseph Baermann. Excited
by the performer's virtuosity, von Weber created these two works,
which have since become cornerstones of the clarinet repertoire. In
the Concerto
No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 73, the solo
clarinetist has the opportunity to range over the instrument's
entire compass, with brilliant runs, leaps, and passagework.
The Concerto
No. 2 in E flat Major, Op. 74, features a long
first movement with considerable development, a spellbinding
"Barcarolle" second movement, and a sparkling final "Polacca". These
two works appear here in full score and for the first time in a
single volume, offering insightful delights for performers and
listeners alike.
Unabridged
republication of the editions originally published by Ernst
Eulenberg, London
(n.d.). |
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