Play
a sample
02/06/2018 - Toulouse (France), La Halle aux Grains - Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Tugan Sokhiev (conductor)
The concerto has always been the genre where I feel most comfortable. The rhetoric of virtuosity being a strong force in my dramatic orientation, the conflictual relationship between a loquacious soloist and an ensemble is an important narrative element in my language. Even in "democratic" ensembles like a string quartet or a symphony, I like to play with opposition and contrast. In this new work, the clarinet, my preferred instrument, occupies an ambiguous role. In fact, it is both a member of the orchestra and a recurring soloist.
The model is openly acknowledged: it is Claude Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. As in that piece of reference, the principal instrument guides the discourse and influences the general texture of a huge orchestra, constantly oscillating between chamber music and sonic gigantism. The piece would have never seen the light of day without the inspiring sonority of David Minetti, with whom I have had the continuous pleasure of working with for several years.
Bruno Mantovani
Find here all the audio, video, and other documents (support materials, teacher's manual, etc.) available for download.
Sign in
