Michael Collins plays British Clarinet Concertos

Michael Collins, a renowned clarinetist, presents a captivating collection of British clarinet concertos in this 2012 release. The album features three complete concertos, showcasing the breadth of British classical music for the clarinet. The concertos are by Charles Villiers Stanford, Gerald Finzi, and Carl Cooke, each offering a unique perspective on the instrument's expressive capabilities.

Collins is accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with the recordings taking place in January 2012 at Blackheath. The album opens with Stanford's Clarinet Concerto in A Minor, Op. 80, followed by Finzi's Clarinet Concerto in C Minor, Op. 31. The album concludes with Cooke's Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 115, featuring a cadenza by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett.

The album spans a total of 1 hour and 5 minutes, offering a substantial exploration of the clarinet's role in British classical music. Collins' virtuosity and the orchestra's nuanced playing make this album a standout in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a clarinet enthusiast or a classical music lover, this album offers a rich and engaging listening experience.