Composed several years ago, these remarkable Finnish clarinet concertos highlight the skills of two of the most vibrant clarinetists in modern music, both originating from the Nordic region. Magnus Lindberg’s concerto was created in 2002 for his close associate Kari Kriikku, while Kalevi Aho’s composition was commissioned by Swedish virtuoso Martin fröst, who debuted it in London in 2006.

A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Works

The two concertos exhibit striking parallels; each is divided into five movements that impose considerable technical requirements on the soloist. These challenges encompass multiphonics, complex passages demanding precise articulation, as well as extended segments that test musicians’ abilities to navigate their instruments’ upper registers with grace. While both pieces are highly engaging for listeners, Aho’s composition leans towards a more traditional approach; its orchestration features a stronger rhythmic foundation and musical phrases that align more closely with conventional tonality compared to Lindberg’s avant-garde style which cleverly references ancient clarinet works from composers like Debussy to gershwin.

Exceptional Interpretations by Julian Bliss

The performances by Julian Bliss, under the baton of conductor Taavi Oramo , leading the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra are nothing short of extraordinary. From the initial notes of Lindberg’s concerto, it becomes clear that Bliss navigates even the most formidable technical hurdles with ease while merging this virtuosity with a rich tonal quality during lyrical passages throughout both compositions. Although kriikku’s interpretation may convey slightly more intensity than Bliss’s rendition,this difference is marginal.

You can listen on Apple Music above or find it on Spotify.