Clarinet Variations
Jean FRANCAIX (1912 - 1997) Clarinet Concerto (1967) [22:48]
Gioachino ROSSINI (1792 - 1868) Introduction, Theme and
Variations (1810) [13:33]
Brian BOYDELL (1917 - 2000) Elegy and Capriccio Op.42 (1956)
[13:07]
Charles Villiers STANFORD (1852 - 1924) Clarinet Concerto in
A minor Op.80 (1904) [21:43]
Archibald James POTTER (1918 - 1980) Fantasy for Clarinet and
Orchestra [5:10]
John Finucane (clarinet)
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra/Robert Houlihan
rec. National Concert Hall, Dublin, June 2009
RTÉ LYRIC FM CD124 [76:25]
One might think that this release is just a visiting card to highlight John
Finucane’s instrumental prowess. But take a quick glance at its content
which belies the justifiable prejudice. The programme of this generous release
has much to offer in terms of rarely heard works for clarinet and orchestra.
One might single out Rossini’s Variations and Stanford’s Clarinet
Concerto as the best known works here although Stanford’s concerto
is not performed that often.
Jean Françaix is well known for his light-hearted music-making although
he too was capable of more serious things; but he is generally regarded as
a composer of immediately appealing music characterised by clear-cut themes
and harmonies of great melodic charm. His substantial Clarinet Concerto is
no exception although it also has its more serious side here and there. Even
so, the prevailing mood is that of happy the music-making one has come to associate
with this composer.
Stanford’s Concerto is another substantial work in this programme. It
is somewhat better known than Françaix’s though it too may not
claim any over-exposure. Though fairly typical of Stanford, the idiom may be
a bit dated and still firmly indebted to the great continental tradition. It
nevertheless leaves a powerful impression and a strong feeling of seriousness
and sincerity which is quite often Stanford’s hallmark.
Rossini’s Variations heard here in a version edited and
arranged by Jost Michaels are part of any clarinettist’s staple diet,
as Finucane rightly remarks in his insert notes. As might be expected the music
often has an operatic character full of great melodic charm.
The other items in this far from run-of-the-mill programme are works by Irish
composers. Brian Boydell was a highly respected name in Irish music circles.
He composed a number of substantial works including symphonic pieces as well
as chamber music that are all still too little heard. His Elegy and Capriccio
Op.42 for clarinet and strings composed in 1956 is a somewhat lighter
work and the title clearly hints at what the music is about. This is a lovely
work that should be in any clarinettist’s repertoire.
Archibald James Potter, too, was a much-loved personality. His output includes
a number of substantial works such as his imposing Sinfonia “De
Profundis” (1968 - recorded on Marco Polo 8.225158 which is I
hope still available) but also a number of shorter orchestral works such as
the fairly popular Finnegan’s Wake. The Fantasy recorded
here is one of those short, somewhat lighter works in an overtly Irish vein
full of verve and charm. I will just mention a small point about this piece
in that the sleeve states that it is scored for strings whereas one clearly
hears a small orchestra.
This is a very fine programme. The excellent performances are matched by a
very fine recording. As mentioned earlier, this is far more than a mere visiting
card. It is an enjoyable programme happily mixing fairly well-known works with
real rarities - all well worth having.
Hubert Culot