Arthur Stockel plays a Buffet Crampon 'Légende' clarinet made of mopane and grenadilla wood for this recording.
Interpretation
Arthur Stockel's approach to Weber's Clarinet Concertos is vocal and operatic, influenced by his studies of Italian opera and German Lieder.
Performer Biography
Arthur Stockel, the clarinet soloist on this album, was appointed principal clarinet of the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 21.
Recording & Production
The Clarinet Concertos were recorded in the Grand Auditorium of the Philharmonie Luxembourg, while the Clarinet Quintet was recorded at Studio ONDIF in Alfortville.
Recording & Production
For this recording, Arthur Stockel was positioned at the heart of the orchestra, facing the conductor, rather than in the traditional soloist's spot, to achieve a more blended and warmer sound.
Interpretation
For the Clarinet Quintet, Arthur Stockel and the Quatuor Hanson, a string quartet, performed standing up, which they found brought phenomenal energy and vocality to the performance.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Carl Maria von Weber, the composer, gave his Clarinet Concertos an epic tone, preserving the finesse and complexity of his style, and giving the clarinet the color of pain as much as that of glory.
