Piece Overview
Composed in 1928 for clarinetist Aage Oxenvad, Carl Nielsen’s Clarinet Concerto unfolds in one continuous movement that traverses four distinct thematic episodes with tension and drama. The concerto is notable for its tonal conflict—particularly between F and E—and its chamber-like orchestration featuring clarinet, two bassoons, two horns, strings, and a snare drum that acts as an antagonistic voice throughout the dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Some sources suggest Nielsen may have been playfully referencing Oxenvad’s intense emotional swings, as he was said to suffer from bipolar disorder.
My Performance Context
I performed this concerto for Boston University’s 2024 Soloist Competition. This video captures my Winner’s Concert performance with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sarah Ioannides at the Tsai Performance Center.