Despite initial praise, Spohr's clarinet compositions faced publication delays and immense technical difficulties, preventing them from immediately entering the repertoire.
Compositional Technique
Spohr generally shunned cadenzas in his concertos, believing they pandered to the worst side of solo instrumentalists.
Composition History
Spohr's clarinet works were inspired by his friendship and collaboration with clarinet virtuoso Johann Simon Hermstedt, who commissioned the first concerto.
Composer Biography
Spohr composed the four works on this album for Johann Simon Hermstedt in a concentrated period of just over two years, with more clarinet works following over the next two decades.
Composer Biography
Louis Spohr was a significant figure in German music during the first half of the 19th century, excelling as a composer, violinist, conductor, teacher, and organizer.
Instruments
Johann Simon Hermstedt, the clarinetist for whom Spohr wrote these concertos, adapted and expanded his instrument, increasing its keys from five to thirteen, to suit Spohr's music.
