Carl Maria von Weber - Grand Duo concertant op.48 | Jörg Widmann | Denis Kozhukhin

Carl Maria von Weber's "Grand Duo concertant op.48", for clarinet and piano, recorded live at WDR Funkhaus Wallrafplatz on Sept. 26, 2021.
Jörg Widmann, clarinet
Denis Kozhukhin, piano
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○ Introduction to the work
Jörg Widmann, "Artist in Residence" of the WDR Symphony Orchestra now in his third season, is an internationally highly sought-after composer, conductor and clarinettist - as a soloist as well as a chamber musician. Widmann chose the clarinet as his favorite instrument at the age of seven. The musician has remained fascinated by it and tirelessly explores its undreamed-of sound potential. Widmann's compositions to be heard in the first half of the concert - from solo pieces to eight-part works - show him as an actor who loves and seeks extremes. Again and again he is able to surprise the audience with unleashed emotions. Technical limits are tested and exceeded: "The sweating of the virtuosos does not leave me cold. I even want to highlight it," says the composer. The fact that in all this a musical fire burns in his works sufficiently explains Widmann's reputation as a frequently performed contemporary composer.
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For Jörg Widmann, Carl Maria von Weber belongs to the composers who are still criminally underestimated today. In his admiration for Weber, he sees himself in good company with Hector Berlioz, Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky. All three praised Weber's art of orchestration and hailed him as a pioneer of modern orchestration. Of course, Jörg Widmann also feels a special connection to Carl Maria von Weber in his love for the clarinet. Numerous solos in his orchestral music and operas prove that Weber was very fond of the instrument. In addition, he gifted clarinetists with several pieces, including the Grand Duo concertant. Weber's numerous clarinet works result from his friendly contact with Heinrich Joseph Baermann, an excellent clarinetist of his time. Weber met Baermann in 1811 as a member of the Munich court orchestra. Baerman became the dedicatee of his "Concertino," and the following year they both went on an extended concert tour of major European cities. In 1815 the musicians met again in Munich, where they premiered Weber's "Andante and Allegro" for clarinet and piano at the royal court. The following year, Weber completed this work with an additionally composed first movement to form the Grand Duo concertant.
In the Grand Duo, it becomes clear why Weber loved the clarinet so much. He presents its rich tonal spectrum in a multifaceted manner. For example, when it sings itself out operatically, shines in the opening movement with virtuoso (but never without content) runs, or is playful and humorous in the finale. In the heart of the concert piece, the slow movement, she then also ventures into dark emotional depths.
Text: Tilla Clüsserath

[@omaslo]

Mr. Jörg Widmann interpretations of Webber is my favourite. Bravissimo.

[@marikomariko3992]

Every time I listen to Carl Maria von Weber, I wonder why this composer is so underrated , if not neglected. His Piano Concertos are wonderful. And not only the clarinet part but the piano part of this Duo Concertant alone is great art. His works should be played on a stage more!

[@mefar1992]

The pianist is awesome, that part is not easy or straight-forward AT ALL. Kudos to him for being a Super Supportive pianist

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you! 😊

[@GermanCarretie]

Aparte de los excelentes músicos la realización es extraordinaria

[@terica9083]

so …amazing !

[@josecorino4698]

Excelente!

[@romualdasbaltuska]

Nuostabu. Tobulas atlikimas

[@WDRKlassik]

Thank you! 🤗

[@LorenzoMaggioreni-hp4bv]

Complimenti al pianista, il suono del clarinetto è strozzato, mi dispiace ma non va

[@jakeplonk888]

Very poor sound… sounds like a beginner. To think this guy now conducts Berlin Phil… 🙄😂