Search - Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein :: The Essential Clarinet

Fun but different.

09/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stoltzman's rendition of these four 20th century clarinet masterpieces are very satisfying. Stoltman's interpretation of these pieces are jazzy and fun, complete with a touch of glissando here and there. Personally, I enjoyed the Copland and the Bernstein the most. A word of caution. The pieces included on this CD are quite contemporary. They may sound a little odd at first to the unaccustomed. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful CD."

Absolutely Unbelievable...

Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 12/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, at the risk of sounding crazy, Richard Stoltzman is the greatest thing that ever happened to clarinet music!! There are no words to describe the great talent he displays on this CD. I've personally perfomed the Copland Concerto (not anywhere nearly as well as him, though) and I'm baffled by his technical skill and how easy he makes it sound. I've heard many versions of this (including the original by Goodman) and Stoltzman's jazzy interpretation is wonderful and not at all over-done (as far as smears and what not). The Stravinsky is really nice, but might take a little getting used to.. I really enjoy it though. The Berstein is really nice, but I do agree w/ another review which said it was largely filler... there isn't a whole lot of clarinet in the "Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs", but what there is is fantastic.Now, for the Corigliano. I've met Corigliano before, and the man is a genious (as is evident in his music). Beware of "Cadenzas"... it starts really soft, but gets really loud so be read to adjust the volume at a moments notice... The last movement is unbelievable... Stoltzman really showcases his abillities here. There is a quasi-cadenza in the clarinet in the third section after a little timpani solo that is amazing. I've listened to it several times and I still can't grasp how he makes the sounds he does (you really have to hear it to understand). While a little harder on the listener than a "typical" concerto, this one is really nice. Corigliano manages to showcase the most wonderful qualities of the clarinet AND create unique and inspiring sounds in the orchestra (especially in the first movement). This is a must have for any music lover (clarinetist or not)."

Sorry...Not a Stolzman Fan

C. G. Holcombe | North Florida | 12/13/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've played the clarinet for 15 years and also teaches music professionally and I have to warn you I am one of those nerds that will read the sheet music while listening...well I can tell you, NO ONE COMPARES TO STANLEY DRUCKER. I hear and read so many mistakes with Stolzman and it almost sounds like he's faking or playing the wrong notes...which can be understandable with Corigliano's concerto (it's harder than anything I've played).

I do have to admit that Stolzman plays with great character and you NEVER tell when he makes a mistake (Drucker is too much a perfectionist sometimes)."