Mozart: Clarinet Concerto [Martin Fröst, Thomas Søndergård]

Accompanied by the Danmarks Radio SymfoniOrkestret (Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra), Swedish clarinetist Martin Fröst performs Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622. Conductor: Thomas Søndergård.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622

Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622 is one of his final completed works, composed in 1791, shortly before his death. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest concertos written for the clarinet and holds a special place in the instrument’s repertoire. The concerto was composed for Mozart’s friend and renowned clarinetist, Anton Stadler (28 June 1753, Bruck an der Leitha – 15 June 1812, Vienna), who was an early proponent of the basset clarinet – a clarinet with an extended lower range. Originally written for this instrument, the concerto explores the rich, warm tones of the clarinet, particularly in its lower register, while also showcasing its agility and lyrical capabilities.

The concerto was given its premiere by Stadler in Prague on October 16, 1791. The reception of his performance was generally positive.

The Clarinet Concerto is known for its remarkable beauty and expressiveness. It balances virtuosic display with profound emotional depth, reflecting Mozart’s mature style. Throughout the concerto, the clarinet engages in a conversational interplay with the orchestra, weaving intricate lines that highlight the instrument’s versatility. The concerto’s melodic material is both elegant and deeply moving, with themes that convey a range of emotions, from joyful exuberance to serene introspection.

Mozart’s orchestration is delicate, allowing the clarinet’s voice to shine. The strings provide a supportive foundation, while the woodwinds add color and texture, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the clarinet’s melodic lines. The concerto exemplifies Mozart’s genius for blending technical brilliance with lyrical expressiveness, resulting in a work that is both sophisticated and accessible.

After Mozart’s death, the concerto was published and performed widely, becoming a cornerstone of the clarinet repertoire. Its beauty and emotional depth have made it a favorite among performers and audiences alike, and it continues to be celebrated as one of Mozart’s finest achievements. The Clarinet Concerto is not only a testament to Mozart’s enduring genius but also a pivotal work that elevated the clarinet to new heights in the classical tradition.

Movements

Mozart’s clarinet concerto has three movements, in a fast-slow-fast form. With start times in the video:

1. Allegro @00:00
2. Adagio @12:52
3. Rondo: Allegro @19:32

1. Allegro

The first movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, marked Allegro, is a masterful example of the classical concerto form, characterized by its graceful interplay between the solo clarinet and the orchestra. The movement opens with a serene and elegant orchestral introduction that establishes the principal themes. The main theme is bright and lyrical, exuding a sense of calm and joy, typical of Mozart’s late style. The orchestra lays a gentle foundation, allowing the clarinet to later enter with a smooth, flowing line that mirrors the opening theme but adds a new level of expressiveness and complexity.

When the clarinet joins, it introduces a dialogue with the orchestra, exploring the theme with embellishments and variations. The clarinet’s unique ability to transition smoothly between registers is showcased as it navigates the movement’s broad melodic lines with fluidity and warmth. Mozart uses the full range of the clarinet, particularly emphasizing its lower register, which lends a rich, velvety tone to the music.

The movement is structured in sonata form, with an exposition that introduces the main themes, a development section that explores and transforms these themes, and a recapitulation that brings them back in a varied and enriched form. The clarinet’s role is both lyrical and virtuosic, with rapid passages, arpeggios, and intricate runs that highlight the instrument’s technical capabilities.

Throughout the Allegro, Mozart’s orchestration is light and transparent, allowing the clarinet’s voice to shine while maintaining a delicate balance with the orchestra. The movement concludes with a joyful and spirited coda, bringing the music to a satisfying and elegant close. This opening movement captures the essence of Mozart’s genius, blending technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance.

2. Adagio

The second movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, marked Adagio, is one of the most profoundly beautiful and lyrical pieces in the concerto repertoire. Set in a slow, contemplative tempo, the movement showcases Mozart’s unparalleled ability to evoke deep emotion with simplicity and grace. The Adagio is built around a tender, flowing melody introduced by the clarinet, which seems to float effortlessly above the gentle orchestral accompaniment. This melody is characterized by its serene, almost vocal quality, evoking a sense of calm introspection.

The clarinet’s voice in this movement is warm and expressive, utilizing its full dynamic range to bring out the nuances of the melody. Mozart takes advantage of the clarinet’s capacity for long, singing phrases, allowing the instrument to explore subtle shifts in emotion, from gentle melancholy to a serene sense of resolution. The interplay between the solo clarinet and the orchestra is delicately balanced, with the orchestra providing a soft, supportive backdrop that never overpowers the soloist.

The Adagio is notable for its purity of line and the depth of feeling it conveys with minimal complexity. The clarinet’s melody is beautifully ornamented, but always in a way that enhances rather than distracts from its lyrical quality. The movement is in ternary form, with a central section that introduces a slight contrast before returning to the opening theme, now imbued with even greater emotional richness.

The Adagio concludes gently, with the clarinet softly fading into the orchestral texture, leaving a lingering sense of peace and introspection. This movement is widely regarded as one of Mozart’s most sublime creations, embodying the delicate balance between simplicity and emotional depth that defines his late works.

3. Rondo: Allegro

The third movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, marked Rondo: Allegro, is a lively and cheerful conclusion to the concerto. Structured as a rondo, the movement revolves around a recurring main theme that is light, playful, and full of charm. The rondo form allows for a spirited interplay between the solo clarinet and the orchestra, with the clarinet presenting the theme and then leading the listener through a series of contrasting episodes.

The main theme, introduced by the clarinet, is buoyant and dance-like, showcasing Mozart’s gift for creating memorable melodies. The clarinet’s role in this movement is both virtuosic and expressive, featuring rapid passagework, trills, and playful leaps that highlight the instrument’s agility and brilliance. Each return of the main theme is varied slightly, keeping the movement fresh and engaging.

Between the recurring main theme, Mozart introduces contrasting episodes that explore different moods and textures. These sections allow the clarinet to demonstrate its versatility, shifting from light, airy passages to more lyrical and expressive moments. The orchestra provides a vibrant, supportive accompaniment throughout, engaging in a lively dialogue with the soloist.

As the movement progresses, the playful character of the rondo is maintained, with Mozart’s characteristic wit and charm shining through. The clarinet weaves effortlessly between technical flourishes and melodic warmth, leading to a spirited and jubilant coda. The concerto concludes on a joyful and exuberant note, leaving the listener with a sense of delight and satisfaction. This final movement encapsulates the lighthearted elegance and technical brilliance that define Mozart’s mature style, making it a fitting and memorable conclusion to the concerto.

Sources

• Clarinet Concerto (Mozart) on Wikipedia
• Clarinet Concerto in A major, K.622 (Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus) on the International Music Score Library Project website
• “Clarinet Concerto in A, K 622: work by Mozart” on the Encyclopedia Britannica website
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto in A Major for basset clarinet and orchestra, K. 622 [Program Notes by Martin Pearlman] on the Boston Baroque Orchestra’s website