Immerse yourself in the rich, diverse world of Malcolm Arnold's chamber music with "Arnold: The Complete Works for Clarinet." This compelling collection, released on Decca (UMO) in 1995, showcases the brilliance of one of the 20th century's most prolific composers. Born in Northampton in 1921, Arnold's musical genius is evident in every piece, from the lively "Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115" to the playful "Three Shanties for Wind Quintet, Op. 4."
The album spans a duration of one hour, offering a comprehensive journey through Arnold's works for clarinet. It features a variety of pieces, including concertos, sonatinas, fantasies, and divertimentos, each showcasing Arnold's unique compositional style and his deep understanding of the clarinet's expressive capabilities. The instrumentation varies, with some pieces requiring multiple clarinets, including E-flat and bass clarinets, adding depth and complexity to the performances.
This collection is a testament to Arnold's enduring legacy, providing a fascinating insight into his creative process and his ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding exploration of one of the most significant bodies of work in 20th-century chamber music.
Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115: 1. Allegro vivaceMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton
Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115: 2. LentoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton
Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115: 3. (The Pre-Goodman Rag) Allegro non troppoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton
Three Shanties for Wind Quintet, Op. 4 (1943): 1. Allegro con brioMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly, Claire Briggs, Susanna Cohen
Three Shanties for Wind Quintet, Op. 4 (1943): 2. Allegretto sempliceMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly, Claire Briggs, Susanna Cohen
Three Shanties for Wind Quintet, Op. 4 (1943): 3. Allegro vivaceMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly, Claire Briggs, Susanna Cohen
Sonatina for clarinet and piano, Op. 29 (1951): 1. Allegro con brioMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Malcolm Martineau
Sonatina for clarinet and piano, Op. 29 (1951): 2. AndantinoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Malcolm Martineau
Sonatina for clarinet and piano, Op. 29 (1951): 3. FuriosoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Malcolm Martineau
Fantasy for B flat clarinet, Op. 87 (1966)Malcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 1. Allegro energicoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 2. LanguidoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 3. VivaceMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 4. AndantinoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 5. MaestosoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Divertimento for flute, oboe and clarinet, Op. 37 (1952): 6. PiacevoleMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, Jaime Martin, Jonathan Kelly
Concerto No. 1 for clarinet and strings, Op. 20: 1. AllegroMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton
Concerto No. 1 for clarinet and strings, Op. 20: 2. Andante con motoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton
Concerto No. 1 for clarinet and strings, Op. 20: 3. Allegro con fuocoMalcolm Arnold, Emma Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Ivor Bolton