Our Principal Clarinet Maximiliano Martín (Maxi) will be a familiar face to SCO regulars, whether at the heart of the Orchestra or as a soloist - you may recall his stepping to the front of the Usher Hall stage for the aria 'Parto, parto' in Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito at this year's Edinburgh International Festival. He is back in a solo capacity to play the title work in Gnarly Buttons (11-12 December), as part of a programme devoted entirely to the music of John Adams, an ideal opportunity to have a chat with him about this more contemporary repertoire.

Adams’ Gnarly Buttons is one of the pieces of contemporary music you highlighted when we discussed the clarinet concerto last Season. What makes it so special for you?

I first came across Gnarly Buttons by a recommendation from a friend. He said to me “this piece would suit you very well”, so I listened to it during the Covid pandemic and I immediately fall in love with it so I started practising it like crazy. In my opinion what makes the piece unique, challenging and captivating is the orchestration: strings, 2 winds parts, one brass, 2 keyboards, guitar, banjo, mandolin and pre recorded samples during the whole piece. Just one of a kind.

Is it fair to say there's a strong jazz and folk influence to the music?

Yes, absolutely. The scoring underlines the folk and vernacular roots of the music, the banjo, the trombone, the piano and several samples that include an accordion and a cow! Also the influence of Benny Goodman whom Adams used to listen lots when he was teenager are elements that emphasise that tradition.

What other clarinet music would you recommend to someone who really enjoys Gnarly Buttons?

I would recommend John Adams' Chamber Symphony and Steve Reich's New York Counterpoint.

There’s always a special atmosphere to SCO concerts with an Orchestra member as soloist. Are there any performances that particularly stand out for you?

You are right, I think they are special occasions for everyone involved. I still remember Nikita [Naumov]’s farewell concert and the new double bass concerto by Péter Eötvös. Maxim playing Mozart piano concertos is also very special. Also my Nielsen Concerto with Joseph Swensen will always be on my memory.

As a long-standing member of the Orchestra, you must have played an enormous amount of music over the years. Are there any pieces you always enjoy returning to?

Yes, I have played as a soloist many times with SCO, it is probably what I like doing the most and it feels a natural thing to do. I love returning to my favourite concertos - Mozart and Nielsen - but I always like the challenge of performing something new, including new pieces.