Richard Stoltzman - Aria (1997)

During his musical career, Richard Stoltzman has gained a reputation not only for excellence as a clarinetist but also as a show person. His recordings are varied and demonstrate both his ability to perform difficult music as well as to provide an enjoyable listening experience. Perhaps the best example of his classical talents along with his gift for entertaining would be the collection of music from opera in his recording ARIA.

ARIA is a collection of opera's favorite arias arranged for clarinet. The clarinet is an instrument that is just as at home with high and low registers, so Stoltzman is able to select arias from the soprano, tenor, mezzo, and baritone repertoire. Each of the selections transposes nicely to the clarinet arrangements. The selections range from the Bel Canto sounds of Rossini to the music of Verdi and the verissmo sound of Puccini. The French repertoire of Bizet, Gounod, and Massanet is also represented. Gershwin and Lehar round out the collection. Stoltzman is true to the music but does more than just play. He also adds a feeling that many of the great voices of opera added to these works to give them life.

ARIA is a great collection for background music or for that time that a listener is in the mood for something different. It will be appreciated by anyone who loves good music but will have a special appeal for opera lovers, and of course those of us who played the clarinet as children. We can listen and discover what could have been if we had listened to our parents who told us over and over again to practice.