BEETHOVEN
Violin Concerto (arr. For clarinet by Mikhail
Pletnev)
MOZART
Clarinet Concerto.
Michael Collins:
Clarinet, Russian National Orchestra Mikhail Pletnev
DG 457-652-2
70m
DDD.
Crotchet
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This is an interesting and highly polished transcription of Beethoven's Violin
Concerto. Pletnev arranges the work with an instinctive feel for the seductive
tones of the wind instrument which blends well into Beethoven's unique
soundworld. In Michael Collins, Pletnev has the ideal player, someone who
can understand the subtle nuances and inflexions that permeate Beethoven's
work in a typically brilliant fashion. The expansive Allegro ma non troppo
is beautifully shaped throughout, this confirms that the work adapts
well to this sort of treatment. I found much beauty in the sublime Larghetto
where the clarinet almost sounds even better than the original violin
with its dreamy seductive tones. The Rondo is also hectically paced
with Pletnev and his estimable orchestra quite 'unbuttoned' as Beecham would
have said.
We do not need another Mozart concerto recording as the field is obviously
stashed full of excellent competitors but Collins and Pletnev certainly lend
their authority to an overplayed work that is still the calling card for
the instrument. Moreover Collins plays a basset clarinet, which is the original
instrument for which the work was written. Breathlessy clear recordings and
charismatic notes add up to a fine package for those interested in the curious.
The Beethoven transcription certainly deserves a listen.
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
