Gerald Finzi may not have been a major composer, but his death from leukemia in 1956 robbed the musical world of a distinctly personal voice. Among his major works, the Clarinet Concerto has received the most attention from performers and listeners (though we desperately need a great recording of his magnificent Cello Concerto–or a reissue of the old Lyrita recording, with Yo-Yo Ma, no less). The Clarinet Concerto’s popularity is not surprising, since it’s one of the best pieces ever written for the instrument, and its moods range from the folkish high spirits of the outer movements to the wistful intimacy of the central “adagio”. It’s beautifully performed here by soloist Robert Plane, and the arrangement for clarinet and string orchestra of the “Five Bagatelles” makes a perfect complement to the larger work. With four shorter works thrown in for good measure, this disc makes an excellent introduction to the work of a minor master.
