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The Clarinet Pages |
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Bozza - Aria |
Gerald Finzi (1901-1956): Five Bagatelles for Clarinet and Piano (1943) Programme Note Finzi is a somewhat neglected English composer, though his music is a favourite of clarinettists for whom these Bagatelles (composed in 1943) and the more celebrated Concerto are a joy to play. The thrusting Prelude is full of youthful vitality and demonstrates Finzi's sure grasp of the clarinet's capabilities. The piano accompaniment is typical of the composer, quickly shifting through his favourite textural devices: contrapuntal complexity, ‘stride’ and hymn-like styles. The three central movements, the relaxed Romance,simple Carol and lilting Forlana are each slow in tempo, but contrasted in terms of tonality and rhythmic drive. Forlana is a particularly beautiful movement, the clarinet and piano equal partners as Finzi exploits both instruments' capacity for light and shade. The final Fughetta is highly contrapuntal but never loses its sense of melodic direction. Excitement and rhetoric are at its heart; the energy Finzi establishes in the Prelude is maintained throughout the set. Suggested Recordings Excellent Naxos budget recording with Robert Plane and the Northern Sinfonia. Arrangement for clarinet and strings, coupled with the Concerto and selected other works. For the original version, try Emma Johnson's 2CD set , with concertos by Mozart, Crusell, Malcolm Arnold and Schumann's Fantasiestücke Sheet Music Boosey and Hawkes edition Useful Weblinks Official Site of the Finzi Trust Discover Finzi Biography and introduction to his music from Hyperion Records Discography from BBC Online An appreciation of Finzi's music> Notes on the Five Bagatelles Analysis of Finzi's poetic influences Back to the Clarinet Pages... |
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