The success of Weber's Concertino for clarinet in 1811 led King Maximilian I of Bavaria to immediately commission two more clarinet concertos.
Historical Context
The clarinet, first mentioned in 1710, became a regular orchestral instrument in the mid-18th century, but its popularity exploded in the early 19th century due to technical developments and exceptional soloists.
Composer Biography
Carl Maria von Weber was a master of lithography and could have become an engraver, but at seventeen, he decided to dedicate himself exclusively to music.
Composition History
All of Carl Maria von Weber's clarinet music, with the exception of one duo, was inspired by and dedicated to the exceptional clarinettist Heinrich Josef Baermann.
Performer Biography
Martin Fröst, the clarinet virtuoso on this recording, has inspired many composers, including Krzysztof Penderecki and Anders Hillborg, to write new works for him.
Composer Biography
Carl Maria von Weber, now considered the father of German romantic opera, was the nephew of Mozart's wife, Constanze Weber.
Composer Biography
Carl Maria von Weber's father, Franz Anton, saw in his son a "second Mozart" and ensured he received musical training, including studies with Michael Haydn, Josef Haydn's brother.
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