Clarinet Concertos

Concertos have been written for most of the instruments in the orchestra, in solo and various combinations. My favorites have always included the clarinet concertos. Aside from the glorious Mozart clarinet concerto and Nielsen's strikingly modern one, my favorite must be that of the French composer Jean Francaix (1912-1997). Francaix's music has a light touch, always full of vibrant melody and joi de vivre. Just so is his Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (1968). Technically demanding, the music glides on wings of song and soars, bring the listener's heart with it.