Michael Collins dazzles in this fizzing 1996 concerto with Oliver Knussen.

In Knussen's supremely authoritative interpretation, the sound quality has been meticulously managed in order to help the listener trace the gradually emerging and steadily unfolding arcs of eloquent melody. It takes time to appreciate how Symphonia's extraordinary variety of pace contributes to the music's melodic and harmonic coherence.
The performance of the more approachable Clarinet Concerto will leave you breathless with admiration, not only for Carter's inventiveness but also for the brilliance with which the score is realised by these dedicated artists.