Eduardo Alonso-Crespo: Double Concerto for Oboe and Clarinet, Op. 29
Antonio Rosetti:
- Oboe Concerto in C Major
- Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, C. 62/K.III:55

When compared to the Violin or Piano, Concertos for the Clarinet or Oboe are few and far between, and Double Concertos pairing the two are even more uncommon. This new recording on the Mexican label Urtext more than makes up for that vacuity. It features the Double Concerto for Oboe and Clarinet, Op. 29 (2012) by teacher, conductor and composer Eduardo Alonso-Crespo (b. 1956). The focus of this review will be on this work, which if I'm not mistaken, is presented here in its world premiere recording.

Dedicated to the two musicians featured on this recording, oboist Miguel Salazar and clarinetist Eleanor Weingartner who, according to the booklet notes "form a union both in their professional and in their family lives", it unfolds, over three movements, almost like a love story. The opening Allegro sets the scene for their first encounter, in which both instruments converse with each other, sometimes in turn and sometimes together. They draw attention to each other by flaunting their individual technical skills, in a flirtatious round of one-upmanship. The following slow movement, titled Gymnopédie is where the two hearts become one, and the two instruments harmonize with each other, within an infectiously beautiful theme. The final Rondo movement, with its sunny and ebullient rhythmic pulse, has the two instruments dancing in step to each other with the final two minutes leading to a bright and powerful coda.

Argentine composer and conductor Eduardo Alonso-Crespo has written many symphonies, concertos for various instruments, choral works, chamber music, etc ... and yet few recordings of his music seem available. Unfortunate when you consider the structural skill and care behind his music. Music with a cinematic flair that is both engaging and evocative. Eleanor Weingartner and Miguel Salazar are a perfect match for this music, and blend seamlessly with the Camerata de las Américas conducted by Ludwig Carrasco.