Sir Charles Villers Stanford – Symphony No. 1 – Clarinet Concerto
– Symphony No. 1 in B flat major
– Clarinet Concerto Op. 80
Robert Plane, clarinet | Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra | David Lloyd-Jones, Conductor
‘A fine work, in one continuous movement.., it makes masterly use of the instrument’s wide register and variety of timbres. Plane’s interpretation of the composer’s long lyrical lines (in particular the central Andante), the climactic peaks, dramatic interjections and tender pianissimi are nothing short of exceptional in their careful grading; clearly, as his recording of Stanford’s chamber works for clarinet demonstrates, he has a special affinity for this music.’
Gramophone, December 2008
‘Robert Plane is an excellent soloist, emulating the incisiveness of his late teacher Thea King on Helios, and the delicacy of Emma Johnson on ASV, while adding his own touches of fantasy….altogether, a valuable contribution to the continuing Stanford revival.’
BBC Music Magazine December 2008
‘..stimulating, led by the mellifluous playing of soloist Robert Plane’
Daily Telegraph, October 2008
‘..this present version is essential for all Stanford enthusiasts. I am especially impressed by the contrast that Robert Plane creates between and within movements. For my money, it is a moving and sometimes revelatory performance.’
Music-Web International, November 2008
‘ ..and the coupling is high-quality, the Stanford Clarinet Concerto, in a dramatically convincing account from Robert Plane who, in a nice gesture, dedicates this performance to the memory of Thea King, whose tone he sometimes recalls with his own.’
BBC Radio 3, CD Review
‘To judge by the excellence of both performances, it’s also music that’s good to play, with Plane relishing the Concerto’s virtuoso solo part’
Classic FM Magazine, February 2009