Michael Collins (clarinet)
Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Robin O’Neill
This disc is a long-awaited sequel to Hyperion’s disc of Spohr’s Clarinet Concertos Nos 1 & 2, recorded by the same
forces. It was at Gotha in the autumn of 1808 that Spohr met the clarinet virtuoso Johann Simon Hermstedt, and the
two men hit it off straight away. Spohr immediately began work on his first clarinet concerto. Hermstedt was so taken
by the work that—rather than insisting on the composer modifying some of his more outlandish, and unplayable,
demands—he adapted and expanded his instrument to suit the music, thus bringing about important developments in
the range and flexibility of the clarinet, expanding it from five keys to thirteen. Of the four concertos Spohr wrote for
Hermstedt, the Third is the most overtly virtuosic, with a fiery restless energy supporting grand, sweeping themes of
real distinction. The Fourth ranks among Spohr’s finest compositions.
“Michael Collins’s artistry is what counts, for Louis Spohr’s music in these clarinet concertos never rises beyond the pleasant. The highlight of No 3 is the slow movement, treated to some of Collins’s most limpid tones, and Spanish touches in No 4 add colour to some dour 19th-century furniture.
Spohr eschews cadenzas, but plenty of virtuosity is packed into Collins’s dexterity and kaleidoscopic tones. More sparkle from the Swedish Chamber Orchestra would help.” The Times, 2nd May 2008 ***
“Collins completes his recordings of these delightful concertos with the contrasting works presented here, both in minor keys (F and E, respectively). The F minor is the more brilliant of the two, and Collins dazzles like a bel canto diva in the pyrotechnic leaps, trills and runs, while he lavishes his rich tone, phenomenal breath control and deeply satisfying expressive insights on the E minor.” Sunday Times, 27th April 2008 ****
“Collins plays with an inspirational touch, too, and no more so than in the charming and witty "Rondo al espagnol" that rounds off No 4. Beautifully balanced sound, making this an exceptionally attractive disc.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008
“Michael Collins repeats the success of his disc of Nos 1 and 2 with elegantly phrased melodies, immaculate passagework and wondrously even trills. The Swedish Chamber Orchestra and Robin O'Neill again provide alert support, and the recording is outstanding.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2008 *****
