Phoenix in Flight cover

Phoenix in Flight

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra · 2008

59 min · 7 tracks · classical music

A lyrical blend of virtuoso clarinet melodies and orchestral textures that evoke both elegance and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 155: II. Romanza: Andante - Recitativo - Tempo I — This movement features lush orchestral harmonies paired with expressive clarinet lines that highlight the instrument's emotional range, making it a centerpiece of the album.
  • →
    Gran Duo Concertante — The interplay between clarinet and piano creates an intimate dialogue that showcases the technical prowess of both instruments, embodying the album's spirit.
  • →
    Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 155: III. Alla Polacca — This lively finale combines rhythmic vitality with melodic charm, offering a jubilant conclusion that captures the essence of the clarinet's character.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively highlights lesser-known works with strong performances but lacks a cohesive narrative across its varied pieces.

What we noticed

  • The album features a prominent clarinet soloist that carries the melodic lines, often accompanied by lush orchestral textures.
  • The first three tracks are more lyrical and slow-paced, while the last four tracks introduce faster tempos and more dynamic orchestration.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • lyrical beauty in every phrase
  • intricate orchestration for detail lovers
  • engaging evening listening experience
  • patient unfolding of musical ideas

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music
  • seek immediate gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases commitment to lesser-known Slovak composers, enhancing appreciation for Eastern European music.
Career context
Released in 2008, Phoenix in Flight marked a significant moment for the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra as it showcased their commitment to performing and recording lesser-known works from classical repertoire. This album came during a period when the orchestra was expanding its international presence and repertoire, particularly focusing on Slovak composers.
Stylistic neighbors
Jaroslav Krček· musicAeterna· Edward W. Hardy

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Clarinet Concertino in C Minor - E-Flat Major, Op. 26, J. 109 10:27
  • 2 Gran Duo Concertante 9:57
  • 3 Premiere rapsodie 9:14
  • 4 Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 155: I. Allegro 9:00
  • 5 Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 155: II. Romanza: Andante - Recitativo - Tempo I 8:31
  • 6 Clarinet Concerto No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 74, J. 155: III. Alla Polacca 7:23
  • 7 Les Saisons (The Seasons), Op. 37b: X. October: Autumn Song 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata