Overview
Introduction
Crusell's Sinfonia concertante in B-flat major is for clarinet, horn, bassoon and orchestra. It was first performed 1808 (or 1804), and was revised and published in Leipzig by C. F. Peters in 1816 (or 1830).
Movments:
1. Allegro
2. Andante sostenuto
3. Allegro ma non tanto
Crusell's Sinfonia concertante is currently (2018) available only on collections of miscellaneous Crusell wind works on BIS and Musica Sveciae. It well deserves an airing‚ for‚ unlike many sinfonie concertanti of the late 18th and early 19th centuries‚ it is more than merely a vehicle for virtuosos. Crusell avoids one of the most obvious escape routes taken by many composers confronted by an illassorted group of instruments‚ namely sets of variations. He properly integrates the players and makes them complement one another with melodic material that divides up well between them‚ and sets them coursing through interesting musical processes. It's an attractive and original work.
