Crusell, a clarinet soloist, was largely self-taught until 1798 when he received instruction from the legendary clarinet pioneer Franz Tausch in Berlin.
Composition History
Crusell's Clarinet Concerto in F minor, Op. 5, was likely considered his most representative work, as he chose it to dedicate to Tsar Alexander I and held its introductory theme in his only known portrait.
Performer Biography
Martin Fröst, the clarinet virtuoso on this recording, has inspired many composers, including Krzysztof Penderecki and Kalevi Aho, to write works for him.
Critical Reception
A contemporary critic praised Crusell's Andante pastorale as 'a sweet, truly songful piece which, if played well, is so captivating that the audience will regret that it is so soon over'.
Composer Biography
Bernhard Henrik Crusell, born in what is now Finland, received his first clarinet lessons on an instrument with only two keys from a military musician.
Compositional Technique
In his Andante pastorale, Crusell incorporated echo effects, which were a novelty at the time, likely stemming from his own dynamically rich tone production technique.
Recording & Production
This Hybrid SACD recording can be played in stereo and 5.0 surround sound, with the surround sound aiming to reproduce the natural sound of a concert venue using full-frequency channels.
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Spohr: Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 26; Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 57
