It Takes Two
The most celebrated recording of this concerto features the Omega Ensemble with soloists David Rowden and Dimitri Ashkenazy. View streaming, performances and purchase options below.
About the work
Duration: Approximately 18 minutes
Instrumentation: Two clarinets (one of which is often played as a basset clarinet) accompanied by an ensemble of flute, oboe, bassoon, horn, and strings.
Musical Style: The work is a vibrant celebration of friendship and human connection.
The Three Movements
I. Adagio, allegro con spirito: Features a plaintive, conversational dialogue between the two solo clarinets that slowly builds into an animated repartee.
II. Lento arioso: A deeply lyrical, wistful, and romantic exploration of tenderness.
III. Molto vivace: A high-energy, bubbly finale driven by syncopated, jazzy dance rhythms that showcase virtuosic playing.
Concerto for Two Clarinets and Chamber Orchestra (Third Movement) Performance recording:
David Rowden, Peter Jenkin, clarinets, Cove Chamber Orchestra conducted by Alexander Briger. Recorded at Megaphon Studios, October 2011.
Another Performance recording:
Nathalie Lefevre & Nadia Sofokleous, soloists, with the Sinfonieorchester Villingen Schwenningen,
Directed by Achim Fiedler.