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An ode to the clarinet

By Chen Nan | China Daily | Updated: 2018-09-01 08:35
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Award-winning clarinetist Wang Tao has included in his latest album various works from different cultures. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In his latest album, Wang Tao pays homage to the versatility of the woodwind instrument by using it to perform a diverse selection of classical masterpieces by composers from all over the world, Chen Nan reports.

Clarinetist Wang Tao is eager to display the versatility of his musical instrument, which has long played an important role in symphony orchestras and jazz groups.

In his latest album Spin, Wang plays pieces by composers from different cultures, such as Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla's Histoire du Tango, which was originally written for the flute and guitar, Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski's 5 Dance Preludes for the clarinet and piano, and Austrian composer Fritz Kreisler's 3 Old Viennese Dances for the piano and violin.

"All the pieces in the album contain different colors, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of where they came from," Wang says in Beijing. "For those who know the clarinet, the album enables them to see a different side of the musical instrument. For those who are new to the clarinet, they will know the musical instrument beyond the range of classical music."

Besides colors from different cultures, Wang also ventures into the theme of dance with this album as he seeks to expand the expressive dimension of his musical instrument by merging it with another art form.

"I've performed at venues such as outdoor spaces and galleries rather than traditional concert halls. I've also played with artists, such as ballet dancers and contemporary dancers. All those experiences expanded my vision for the clarinet. I hope the audience could have visions of dynamic dancing while listening to this album," he says.

His album has already won praise from overseas experts.

"In the hands and breath of Tao, the clarinet becomes an amazing contrast of technical mastery coupled with soulful singing lines. Imagination and surprise in every phrase," wrote US clarinetist Richard Leslie Stoltzman on the album's brochure.

Wang paired with Japanese pianist Akimi Fukuhara and recorded the new album at the Karuizawa Ohga Hall in Japan.

"The concert hall is surrounded by forests and bathed in ample sunshine. It was a luxurious natural environment to record an album for me," recalls Wang, who spent at least eight hours a day for three days recording at the venue.

Tokyo-based pianist Fukuhara recalls the experince saying: "The recording schedule was tight and physical demanding for both of us. We forgot about our daily lives and totally put ourselves in the zone for three days. At the end of the day, it was rewarding."

Born in Osaka, Japan, Fukuhara made her solo debut when she was 13 at the World Youth Symphony Orchestra at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan.

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