Album Review: Play Puccini Clarinet by Michael Borschel & Paolo Toscano
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s gonna be a ride. If you’re into classical music but also dig when someone messes with the formula just enough to make it fresh, then Play Puccini Clarinet might just tickle your eardrums. This little gem from Ricordi takes some of Puccini’s most iconic opera moments and gives them a clarinet makeover—courtesy of Michael Borschel on clarinet and Paolo Toscano on piano. It’s like taking your grandma’s famous lasagna recipe and swapping out the noodles for zucchini ribbons. Risky? Sure. Delicious? Oh yeah.
Now, let me cut to the chase. There are ten tracks here, all dripping with that lush, dramatic flair Puccini is known for, but I’m not about to drone on about every single one (ain’t nobody got time for that). Instead, I’ll zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me like gum under a shoe.
First up, we’ve got “Nessun Dorma.” You know this one—it’s basically the unofficial anthem of people yelling their heads off at karaoke bars. But hearing it stripped down to clarinet and piano? Wild. The clarinet has this way of making the melody sound both fragile and powerful at the same time, like a bird singing its heart out while perched on the edge of a cliff. And man, does Borschel nail those high notes without turning it into a screeching mess. Toscano’s piano work is no slouch either; he keeps things grounded, adding depth where needed. Honestly, if you think you’ve heard “Nessun Dorma” too many times before, give this version a spin. It’ll surprise ya.
Then there’s “O Mio Babbino Caro,” which is basically the musical equivalent of comfort food. In the original opera, it’s sung as a plea from a daughter to her dad, full of sweetness and desperation. Here, though, the clarinet steps in as the voice, and wow, what a transformation. It’s tender yet playful, like watching a kitten try to catch sunlight beams dancing across the floor. I found myself humming along, only realizing later that I was probably butchering the tune. Whoops.
The rest of the album follows suit—each track feels like rediscovering an old friend who suddenly shows up wearing cool new sneakers. Tracks like “Vissi d’Arte” and “E Lucevan Le Stelle” keep the emotional weight intact, while “Quando Men Vo” adds a cheeky bounce that almost makes you forget how tragic the story behind it really is. Almost.
So, would I recommend Play Puccini Clarinet? Absolutely. Whether you’re a die-hard Puccini fan or just someone looking to dip their toes into classical waters, this album offers something refreshing. Plus, it’s proof that even centuries-old tunes can still feel alive when played with passion and creativity.
And now, my parting shot: Listening to this record made me realize something profound—clarinets should get more respect. Like, why do violins always hog the spotlight? Give the woody wonders their moment, people!
