Michael Collins, Michael McHale - English Music for Clarinet (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 29: I. Allegro con brio
02. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 29: II. Andantino
03. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 29: III. Furioso
04. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano: I. Allegro calmato
05. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano: II. Lento, quasi andante
06. Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano: III. Con brio
07. Three Intermezzi, Op. 13: I. Andante espressivo
08. Three Intermezzi, Op. 13: II. Allegro agitato
09. Three Intermezzi, Op. 13: III. Allegretto scherzando
10. Five Bagatelles, Op. 23: I. Prelude
11. Five Bagatelles, Op. 23: II. Romance
12. Five Bagatelles, Op. 23: III. Carol
13. Five Bagatelles, Op. 23: IV. Forlana
14. Five Bagatelles, Op. 23: V. Fughetta
15. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 129: I. Allegro moderato
16. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 129: II. Caoine
17. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 129: III. Allegretto grazioso
18. Two Majorcan Pieces: I. Paguera
19. Two Majorcan Pieces: II. Valdemosa

Together with pianist Michael McHale, Michael Collins continues his exploration of the chamber repertoire for clarinet, turning to British music with this recital covering a hundred years of music for clarinet and piano which reflects the special relationship between English composers and this instrument. The earliest works on this recording are the Three Intermezzi and the Sonata by Charles Villiers Stanford, who made no secret of his debt to Brahms. As with his Viennese counterpart, Stanford’s music is poised yet seductive and, in this case, beautifully conceived for both instruments. Known for the strength of his vocal music, Gerald Finzi also makes the clarinet sing in his Five Bagatelles composed during the Second World War. Light and touching, they appear as a personal reinterpretation of the baroque dances found in Bach’s instrumental suites. Not surprisingly, Malcolm Arnold’s Sonatina has always been popular with clarinettists, with its energy and its nods to jazz and dance music. Last but not least, Joseph Horovitz, the last composer in chronological order, is represented by his Two Majorcan Pieces and his Sonatina. Once again, the music is playful and makes an excellent showcase for the clarinet.

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