Clarinet Concertos

Released in 1986 on the ASV label, this recording showcases the virtuosic clarinet repertoire of the Romantic era. It centers on the performance of clarinetist Emma Johnson, who had recently risen to prominence after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1984. By pairing the works of Crusell, Weber, Baermann, and Rossini with the English Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Sir Charles Groves, the album emphasizes the lyrical and technical demands of early 19th-century wind concertos.

The production was intended to highlight Johnson's technical facility and nuanced phrasing, which were instrumental in solidifying her status as a leading soloist in classical music. The selection of repertoire reflects a specific focus on the golden age of clarinet writing, specifically the collaborative legacy between composers like Weber and virtuosos like Heinrich Baermann. Upon its release, the recording was well-regarded for its clarity and the balanced rapport between the soloist and the ensemble, serving as a defining entry in the English Chamber Orchestra's extensive discography.