Search - Carl Maria von Weber, Joseph Kuffner, Auer Quartet :: Weber: Clarinet Works

Kalman Berkes is on fire!

Jeffrey A. Howard | Haifa, Israel | 04/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The works on this CD are flashy, not deep. Fun, not contemplative. Weber's works are a pillar in the repertoir for virtuoso clarinet, and "virtuoso" is the word that leaps to mind upon hearing these renditions.Berkes simply flies over the technical passages with a grace that is astounding. His articulation at high tempi is remarkable. The moderate, playful sections are imbued with humor and charm. The slow sections - while not really the point of Weber's music for clarinet - are played with pleasing warmth.It's interesting to listen to the tone that Berkes produces. One of the finest Hungarian clarinetists, his sound is not quite as rustic as some of the Eastern European traditions. It's also not as supple as some of the traditional clarinet styles from Western nations. His sound is, while not "mainstream" in an international sence, very pleasing and utterly flawles in its consistency. But this is merely a footnote for clarinetists as the quality of Berkes' tone production is of the highest standard, making nationalistic style irrelevant to all but a few snobs.The Auer Quartet and Naxos' own piano workhorse, Jeno Jando, are in excellent form. They strike a perfect balance between accompanying and playing out when called for. The feelings and interpretations between Berkes and the ensemble are of one mind.Recording balance between clarinet and ensemble is likewise excellent. The overal sound has ample presence, though something is just a bit off in terms of clarity and transparency.This disc is a real treat for all classical music lovers. Clarinettists or not, a must have."