#78 The Smell of Unconcern

The clarinet is like an unconcerned man sitting on a park bench. He's looking around but is not really interested in anything. And if something–anything–happens, he can successfully pretend he's not there.

Nothing jazzy in Goodman's tone; tempo is slower than I would expected. Some phrasing is maybe not typical but that can be only my imagination.

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Work: Clarinet Concerto, III. Rondo: Allegro
Recording: Benny Goodman, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch

#77 The Smell of Storm

These are dark, stormy times. Rainy sabbatical night. Hell. The music is dramatic and mischievous. Evil is rising. Farewell, Francesca.

Munch generates suspension, he's wild and unforgiving. Even in the middle calm section, he's the dark master.

Composer: Petr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Work: Francesca da Rimini
Recording: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch

#72 The Smell of Class

This is classy composition and classy 1960 recording. There's drive and dignity and thrill and sadness and victory. The stress of first chords is literal, the intensity does not drop.

Munch goes for clarity, it's a very classical approach, no fruitless romantism. BSO keeps beautiful, balanced sound.

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Work: Prometheus Overture
Recording: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch