Partnership in musical performance is routine yet rare in melting two
or more parts into one creative whole. I am struck by this small miracle
wrought in two CDs of Swedish musicians. Included are the two Brahms Clarinet
Sonatas, two Mendelssohn Concert Pieces for clarinet, basset-horn, and piano,
Weber's Grand Duo Concertante for clarinet and piano, Schumann's Phantasie
Stücke opus 73, Hindemith's Sonata for clarinet and piano, and
three substantial Duos for two clarinets by Bernhard Crusell
Weber's
Duo, a three-movement work, is dramatic and operatic. Tension is activated
by such embellishment, and therefore performers must create the right environment
to release the full effect from a performance. In a gentler way Schumann's
gorgeous set of pieces reveals its beauty only if given a sensitivity that
must emanate from performers. [Click to listen.]
Little known are the Mendelssohn pieces with basset-horn, characteristic
and identifiable within any two bars. [Click
to listen.] The alto clarinet adds an interesting colour, and has the
agility to soar on its own, or take flight shadowing the treble instrument
like a magnet.
With
the two Brahms Sonatas, musical strength is firm and one feels glad that
two such fine examples of writing provide the clarinet an opportunity for
demonstrating its range of colour. Hindemith's Sonata, out of so many for
different instruments, has always stayed in the basic modern repertoire
for the excellent and satisfying work provided for two good players. [Click to listen.]
The owners of Nytorp Music obviously appreciate good music and performers.
These two CDs are proof enough of their intentions.
Copyright © Basil Ramsey, November
3rd 1999
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