Concertos For Clarinet And Orchestra

Released under the Sheva Collection label, this compilation brings together clarinet concertos from the classical and early romantic periods, featuring the Capella Istropolitana under the direction of Kaspar Zehnder. The album centers on Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, a foundational piece of the woodwind repertoire, alongside significant works by Carl Maria von Weber and Bernhard Henrik Crusell. The collection aims to highlight the expressive capabilities of the instrument across different stylistic eras, pairing the technical demands of Crusell’s compositions with the lyrical maturity of Mozart’s final concerto.

The performance features Stephan Siegenthaler as the soloist, whose interpretation emphasizes the nuanced transitions between the structural clarity of the classical era and the emerging virtuosic flair of the 19th century. By grouping these specific composers, the recording serves as a historical survey of how the clarinet evolved from a specialized orchestral voice into a prominent solo instrument. The project was conceived to provide a cohesive listening experience that bridges the gap between Mozart’s refinement and the more dramatic, operatic influence found in Weber’s concertante works.