Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) marked the transition from the Classical to the Romantic period. His works, while adhering to the formal style of the Viennese School, abound in dramatic contrasts and glittering instrumental virtuosity. His instrumental works are hugely enjoyable, full of "Spielfreude" and many a good tune. Weber had a special predilection for the clarinet: for him, it was the ideal instrument for expressing the romantic feelings inspired by a trip through the Swiss Alps - where the landscape had a profound effect on his poetic soul. From his friend Heinrich Baermann, the greatest clarinet virtuoso of his time, he learned the technical characteristics of the instrument and he wrote some exquisite works for it: the famous Quintet for clarinet and string quartet Op.34, the Grand Duo Concertant Op.48 and a set of variations on a theme from the opera Silvana. Here the works are played by Italian master clarinetist Davide Bandieri, who played solo clarinet in the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and Mahler Chamber Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado. For this recording he secured the collaboration of such eminent instrumentalists as pianist Matteo Fossi and the Quartetto Savinio.

Tracklist:

Clarinet Quintet In B-Flat Major, Op. 34: I. Allegro
Clarinet Quintet In B-Flat Major, Op. 34: II. Fantasia. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
Clarinet Quintet In B-Flat Major, Op. 34: III. Menuetto. Capriccio Presto
Clarinet Quintet In B-Flat Major, Op. 34: IV. Rondo. Allegro Giocoso
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: I. Andante Con Moto
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: II. Variation I.
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: III. Variation II. Con Grazia
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: IV. Variation III. Poco Adagio
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: V. Variation IV. Tempo Primo Animato E Con Fuoco Variation
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: VI. Variation VI. Lento
Variations On A Theme From The Opera Silvana In B-Flat Major, Op. 33: VII. Variation VII. Allegro
Gran Duo Concertant In E-Flat Major, Op. 48: I. Allegro Con Fuoco
Gran Duo Concertant In E-Flat Major, Op. 48: II. Andante Con Moto
Gran Duo Concertant In E-Flat Major, Op. 48: III. Rondo. Allegro

UPC: 5028421955315
Label: Brilliant Classics
Release Date: 3.25.22
Format: CD

Weber / Bandieri / Quartetto Savinio - Complete Chamber Music (CD)