JAN VAN DER ROOST (b.1956): Clarinet Concerto, PAUL HINDEMITH (1895-1963): Clarinet Concerto, RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949): Romanze in E Flat for Clarinet and Orchestra.

Description: Van der Roost's neo-romantic concerto consists of two contrasting movements. The first, doloroso e contemplativo, explores the clarinet's melodic, sensual side. After a mysterious introduction, a lush, romantic orchestral tutti introduces sultry, languid melodies and opulent orchestral textures, music suitable for the depiction of some exotic fantasy from the 1001 nights (although the subtly Eastern-tinged music has no explicit programme). The second movement is virtuosic and vigorous, rhythmically propulsive and full of humor. The solo part is acrobatic and vivacious, with occasional detours into soulful sentimentality, while the orchestra is clearly in on the joke, with mock-pompous solemnity alternating with Bernsteinesque bravura and colloquial dynamism, and a few apparently conscious Gershwin references. Eddy Vanoosthuyse (clarinet), Central Aichi Symphony Orchestra; Sergio Rosales.