Bernhard Henrik Crusell, a Finnish-born clarinetist, was whisked away at age thirteen to become an apprentice in a military band, never seeing his parents again except once.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Crusell's travel diaries show he was intensely curious about the general culture of the countries he visited, becoming fluent in several languages and developing a strong interest in literature.
Composition History
The dedications of Crusell's compositions were often tokens of true friendship rather than mere courtesies, reflecting his carefully acquired breeding and treatment as a companion by his patrons.
Critical Reception
The first Clarinet Quartet, Op. 2, inspired the famous Russian composer Glinka to become a composer when he heard it around 1814.
Compositional Technique
Crusell's three clarinet quartets follow traditional classical forms with four movements, all first movements in sonata form, and only the slow movements changing key.
Composer Biography
Crusell was the principal clarinetist in the Swedish court orchestra from 1801 to 1833 and was considered one of the finest soloists of his era.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in St Barnabas Church, North Finchley, London, in April 1981.
You might also enjoy...
Crusell, B.H.: Clarinet Quartets Nos. 1-3
Icon: Melos Ensemble
Edward Knight, Milhaud, Khachaturian, Bartók: Piano Trios
