Malcolm Arnold, the composer of two clarinet concertos on this album, described hearing Louis Armstrong as the first truly revelatory musical experience he ever had.
Historical Context
Frederick 'Jack' Thurston, a renowned clarinetist, influenced a generation of composers to write for the clarinet, even though he was not a 'mega-star' like Benny Goodman nor interested in jazz.
Album & Artwork
With the exception of Maconchy's Concertino No 2, all works on this album have a connection to either Frederick 'Jack' Thurston or Benny Goodman.
Performer Biography
Frederick 'Jack' Thurston gave the first British performances of clarinet concertos by Copland, Hindemith, and Milhaud, all of which were commissioned by Benny Goodman.
Performer Biography
Thea King, the clarinetist on this album, was the wife of Frederick 'Jack' Thurston, a renowned clarinetist who championed contemporary English music.
Composition History
Many works by composers like Finzi, Bax, Ireland, and Bliss were written with Frederick 'Jack' Thurston's playing in mind, and are now part of the standard repertoire.
You might also enjoy...
British Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 1
Finzi & Stanford: Clarinet Concertos
Clarinet Concertos Dedicated to Benny Goodman
Britten, Mathias, Finzi & Cooke: British Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 2
Weber: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 and 2
Spohr: Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 26; Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 57
Spohr: Clarinet Concertos
Weber, C.M.: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1 and 2/ Clarinet Concertino in C Minor
Rediscovered: British Clarinet Concertos by Dolmetsch, Maconchy, Spain-dunk & Wishart
Finzi: Bagatelles, Op. 23 & Clarinet Concerto in C-Minor, Op. 31 & Ashmore: Four Seasons
