Brahms, Janácek : Sonates pour clarinette et piano

Description

What a joy to listen to such music played by such talented performers! First, the works: the two sonatas for clarinet and piano by Johannes Brahms, which are his last compositions. The genesis of these sonatas dates back to the meeting between Brahms and an exceptional musician, Richard Mühlfeld, who astonished the "old" Brahms with his ease and the purity of sound he achieved from his instrument. It is known that the two of them created these 2 sonatas together in 1895. All the qualities inherent to the clarinet are found in these works, offering stunning melodic and sonic richness (the beauty does not prevent a certain melancholy). These sonatas are considered the pinnacle of this instrumental formation, for which the greatest clarinetists have sought to leave their mark. Next, the performers: Shirley Brill is not an unknown; a beautiful Prokofiev-Jean Françaix disc revealed her. This Israeli artist notably won the 1st prize at the Geneva competition (a prize that was no longer awarded). Her compatriot and usual partner, Jonathan Aner, is no less accomplished than S. Brill. Both of them evoke enthusiasm in this music that they play regularly. Interspersed between these 2 peaks, the "little" sonata by Janáček (arranged by S. Brill) offers a welcome breath. Beautiful sound recording. (Jean-Louis Godbert)