The Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, op. 57, was completed in 1928 by Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865 - 1931). It is among his most daring works, which caused a decidedly mixed reception upon its premiere. One critic stated that it sounded like it came from another planet. Personally, I love it, and would rank it as the third best clarinet concerto of all time - and the best concerto overall from the Scandinavian countries. The work is presented in one long movement, with four distinct theme groups, and the average playing time is 25 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I have a slight preference for Kevin Banks with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Kees Bakels on a Naxos CD.
