About this Recording
This collection is the fifth all-Svoboda title on the NPM label
and the second of chamber works other than solo and multiple piano
collections. What sets this collection apart is the prominence of
clarinet. In addition to its strong presence in the quintet and trio,
there are two solo works, a duet and a sonata with the composer at
the piano.
All clarinet playing, except that of duet partner, Todd Kuhns, is by
Michael Anderson, a former student and
friend of the composer, Tomas Svoboda -- a long-time friendship both
on and off the stage. Anderson is a masterful artist on one of Svoboda's
most cherished instruments.
This recording was made in conjunction with a concert of the same works
at the Oregon Festival of American Music's, John G. Shedd concert hall
in Eugene, Oregon. About that concert, Eugene critic, Brett Campbell
wrote in the on-line publication,
Andante.com, "At a recent
Oregon concert of Svoboda works by members of the American Symphonia,
the composer's recent turn to a more relaxed, even playful idiom emerged
in danceable works for solo piano and clarinet in various combinations.
When those works are released on North Pacific (a CD of his orchestral
music by the Oregon Symphony is also due soon), we'll have a better a sense
of how the music of this American master has progressed from severity to
accessibility, winning listeners without compromising his integrity."
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 mp3 (32kbps) audio
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| SONATA for Clarinet and Piano, Op.167 (2000) |
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| [1] Allegro comodo |
LISTEN |
| [2] Lento ma non troppo |
LISTEN |
| [3] Allegro |
LISTEN
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| FOLK DANCE for Clarinet, Op.132 (1988) |
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| [4] Allegro |
LISTEN |
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| CONVERSATIONS for Two Clarinets, Op. 157 (1997) |
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| [5] Vivace |
LISTEN |
| [6] Moderato - Allegro |
LISTEN |
| [7] Molto allegro |
LISTEN
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| SUMMER TRIO for Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon, Op.159 (1997) |
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| [ 8 ] Con moto |
LISTEN |
| [ 9 ] Allegretto |
LISTEN |
| [10] Larghetto |
LISTEN
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| [11] Vivace |
LISTEN
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| CONFESSION - One Movement for Clarinet, Op.122 (1985) |
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| [12] Lento poco rubato |
LISTEN |
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| CONCERTO for Woodwind Quintet, Op.111 (1983-97) |
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| [13] Allegro (Clarinet) |
LISTEN |
| [14] Lento mediativo (Oboe) |
LISTEN |
| [15] Vivace (Bassoon) |
LISTEN
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| [16] Andante (French Horn) |
LISTEN
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| [17] Allegro molto ritmico (Flute) |
LISTEN
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TOMAS SVOBODA in REVIEW
"The music is a total pleasure!"
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Bill Baker - WCNY (Syracuse, NY)
"I believe in the music. I believe in the composer. I think it's music people should hear.
All these pieces...should be part of the repertoire of all classical clarinetists everywhere."
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Michael Anderson - Principal Clarinet, Eugene Symphony Orchestra (OR)
"...a talent to be reckoned with."
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San Francisco Examiner
"...skillfully made...exciting virtuosity...brilliant scherzo..."
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American Record Guide, re: "Four Visions for One, Two and Three Pianos." (Jan-Feb 2003 issue)
"...most heartfelt and appropriate... decidedly Coplandesque in its harmonic language,
yet with something original to say as well."
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New York Times; re: Svoboda's
Chorale in E flat (homage to Aaron Copland)
Op. 118 for Piano Quintet
"Ever since we got our first look at some of his music we have been convinced of his
marvelous talent."
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The Piano Quarterly
"...as talented in playing the piano as he is in writing for it."
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Los Angeles Times
"...bridges the gap between tonal and atonal music..."
"...dramatic and often texturally complex."
"...a totally personal and very interesting musical voice."
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David Denton - Fanfare Magazine (March-April 2001 issue)
For More information, sound clips & scores:
Tomas Svoboda's works are heard
on the NPM recordings:
Chamber Works - The Definitive Collection
- beautifully packaged 5 disc set of Svoboda's NPM releases
Dreams of a Dancer - Trio Spektrum
Children's Treasure Box - composer at the piano
Four Visions - Music for 1, 2 & 3 Pianos - composer at the piano with David Svec & Daniel Wiesner
Music from Bohemia - Trio Spektrum
Nine Etudes in Fugue Style - composer at the piano
Piano Four Hands - Tomassetti & Cooper
Piano Trios - Members of the Martinu String Qt. w/ the composer at the piano.
(recipient of a 2001 American Record Guide Critics' Choice Award)
Piano Works, Vol. 1 - composer at the piano
String Quartets, No. 1-4 - Martinu Quartet
