‘From Russia’ – music for clarinet and orchestra
Pure enjoyment is provided by this delightful new recording of popular Russian music arranged for clarinet and orchestra by Robin White. From Rimsky-Korsakov’s Clarinet Concerto – originally scored for military band – to the Andante Cantabile from Tchaikovsky’s first string quartet (a staple for arrangers for decades) this is a beautifully played album by one of Britain’s busiest orchestras. An interloper (but a welcome one) from Italy (but of Eastern European style) provides a superb finale.
Ian Scott is the principal clarinet of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and has been guest principal with several top London orchestras. He has previously made premiere recordings of Clarinet Concertos for ASV and Dutton. Arranger and conductor Robin White has enjoyed a very busy and varied career; his first recording (1992, Chandos) was very popular and he has made other recordings of light music for several labels. He has managed his own orchestra and choir and appeared, with his choir, in a pivotal episode of the British TV drama series EastEnders. As an arranger of light music, his work has been broadcast by BBC orchestras many times.
Track Listing
-
Modest Mussorgsky, arr. Robin White:
- Sorochinsky Fair - Introduction (4:29)
- Sorichinsky Fair - Gopak (1:41) Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. Robin White:
- Clarinet Concerto ((Konzertstück in E flat)(8:04) Robin White:
- Russian Suite - I (4:04)
- Russian Suite - II (3:51)
- Russian Suite - III (3:20)
- Russian Suite - IV (4:14)
- Russian Suite - V (2:40) Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arr. Robin White:
- Andante Cantabile from String Quartet No 1, Op. 11 (7:04)
- Humoresque, Op. 10 No. 2 (3:09)
- None But the Lonely Heart (No. 6 from Six Romances, Op. 6) (2:46)
- Album for the Young, Op. 39 -Valse in E flat (1:44) Vittorio Monti, arr. Robin White:
- Czardas (4:41)
Reviews
“White’s orchestrations are delicate at times – allowing the clarinet to come through when required – but also don’t shy away from full-bodied orchestral tuttis with a depth and resonance that complements the original composers. Scott’s beautiful clarinet sound and assured technique clearly demonstrate why he was wanted by White for the project.
” —Stephanie Reeve
“This is a disc to enjoy for sheer pleasure. It can be looked upon as a somewhat higher-class pops concert. A highly entertaining disc that displays fine clarinet playing and colorful arrangements of some tuneful Russian music. Warm, well-balanced recorded sound and brief but informative program notes round out the production.
” —Henry Fogel
“The concert is very good. White serves up colorful, sparkling, and idiomatic arrangements; and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia executes them with great aplomb and panache. Scott is solid in his soloist role, offering excellent technique and nice phrasing.
” —Patrick Hanudel
“This year’s releases get better and better. Divine Art has recorded for our delight this attractive disc of melodic Russian/Slav music. It features the gorgeous playing of Ian Scott. A man blessed with many talents, Robin White is the conductor, composer of the album’s core work, arranger of all 13 tracks, and a major contributor to the booklet notes. Pleasure-giving music.
” —Peter Burt
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