Kahane's Clarinet Concerto: McGill Delivers Stylish Solo 2026

The clarinet concerto by Gabriel Kahane, featuring Anthony McGill as soloist, is a delightful addition to the modern repertoire. In a lively concert with BBCNOW conducted by Ryan Bancroft, McGill's performance was both confident and stylish, blending folk influences with jazz and klezmer textures.

Kahane's Clarinet Concerto: A Modern Masterpiece

Gabriel Kahane's concerto, written for Anthony McGill, draws on vernacular music without direct quotation. The opening features shimmering tuned percussion and string glissandi, over which McGill slips seamlessly. Elegant scalar passages lead to a songful section with a jazz-meets-klezmer vibe, making the work immensely likable.

Anthony McGill's Solo Performance

McGill, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, delivered a cucumber-cool performance in the slow movement, with drawn-out lyrical lines. The eerie bowed vibraphone and a hair-raising cadenza launched a finale with a touch of an Irish jig. His encore, accompanied by Kahane on piano and vocals, was silky smooth.

Orchestral Textures and Unconventional Percussion

The orchestration includes grand and muted upright pianos, celesta, and percussion played unconventionally. This creates a rich, colorful backdrop that complements McGill's clarinet. The concert also featured Copland's Billy the Kid and Stravinsky's Petrushka, both with uneven openings but spirited full-throttle moments.

Comparison of Works

Key Takeaways from the Concert

• McGill's clarinet playing is both technically brilliant and emotionally expressive.
• Kahane's concerto successfully blends vernacular music with contemporary classical forms.
• Bancroft's conducting brought visible enthusiasm, even if some openings were uneven.
• The use of unconventional percussion adds unique color to the orchestral palette.

FAQ

Overall, this concert showcased Kahane's likable concerto and McGill's exceptional artistry. The blend of folk, jazz, and classical elements made for a memorable evening, despite occasional ensemble slips. For lovers of modern clarinet music, this performance is a must-listen.