Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gerald Finzi's 1998 album, a captivating journey through his most celebrated works for clarinet and strings. This album, released under the Naxos label, showcases Finzi's mastery of composition, blending romanticism and modernism in a way that is both timeless and innovative.
The centerpiece of the album is Finzi's Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31, a three-movement work that highlights the clarinet's expressive range and the composer's ability to create deeply moving melodies. The concerto is followed by the Five Bagatelles, Op. 23a, arranged by Lawrence Ashmore for clarinet and strings. These short, characterful pieces offer a delightful contrast to the concerto, showcasing Finzi's versatility and wit.
The album also features three soliloquies from Finzi's incidental music for Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost," Op. 28a. These introspective pieces provide a moment of quiet reflection amidst the album's more extroverted moments. Rounding out the album are several other works, including the Romance in E-Flat Major, Op. 11, and the Introit in F Major, Op. 6, each demonstrating Finzi's unique voice and deep understanding of the clarinet's capabilities.
Performed by the Northern Sinfonia under the direction of Howard Griffiths, with Robert Plane on clarinet, this album is a testament to Finzi's enduring appeal and the timeless beauty of his music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Finzi or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight and inspire.
Tracks
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: I. Allegro vigorosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: II. Adagio, ma senza rigoreGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31: III. Rondo. Allegro giocosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 1, Prelude. Allegro decisoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 2, Romance. Andante tranquilloGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 3, Carol. Andante sempliceGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 4, Forlana. Allegretto graziosoGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23a (Arr. L. Ashmore for Clarinet & Strings): No. 5, Fughetta. Allegro vivaceGerald Finzi, Robert Plane, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: VII. Soliloquy No. 1, The King's PoemGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: VIII. Soliloquy No. 2, Longaville's SonnetGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Love's Labour's Lost Suite, Op. 28a: IX. Soliloquy No. 3, Dumaine's PoemGerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
A Severn Rhapsody, Op. 3Gerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Romance in E-Flat Major, Op. 11Gerald Finzi, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
Introit in F Major, Op. 6Gerald Finzi, Lesley Hatfield, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Howard Griffiths
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