The Lyrical Clarinet Volume 2

 
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Various Composers
The Lyrical Clarinet Volume 2
Michael Collins (clarinet), Michael McHale (piano)

[ Chandos / CD ]

Release Date: Friday 27 May 2016

This item is currently out of stock. It may take 6 or more weeks to obtain from when you place your order as this is a specialist product.

After a highly praised first volume, including such sonatas as Poulenc's and Saint-Saëns's, the virtuoso clarinettist Michael Collins - exclusive on Chandos - presents a new collection of pieces for the Lyrical Clarinet. This soulful tour-de-force comprises a varied repertoire from Schumann's romantic Fantasiestücke to shorter, cheerful pieces by Debussy and Ravel, yet always showcasing the incredibly wide dynamic range of the instrument. The album also features three Nocturnes by John Field, transcribed for clarinet by Michael McHale, one of the finest Irish pianists of his generation. Very tuneful, these pieces suit the clarinet, perhaps the closest wind instrument to the human voice, remarkably well. Michael Collins and Michael McHale have developed a strong association, on stage and on record, which adds warmth and passionate engagement to this recording.

"Françaix's Tema con variazioni stimulates Collins's virtuosity, seamless line and control of dynamics. It also demonstrates the splendid piano playing of McHale, whose transcription of two John Field Nocturnes further enhances the disc's attractions." (Sunday Times)

Tracks:

Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Fantasiestücke, Op. 73

Ernest Chausson (1855-1899): Andante et Allegro
"Françaix's Tema con variazioni stimulates Collins's virtuosity, seamless line and control of dynamics. It also demonstrates the splendid piano playing of McHale, whose transcription of two John Field Nocturnes further enhances the disc's attractions."
John Field (1782-1837), arr. McHale: Nocturne No. 2 in C minor, H 25; Nocturne No.5 in B flat, H 37; Nocturne No. 10 in E minor, H 54 [Premiere Recordings]

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Pièce en forme de Habanera

Jean Françaix (1912-1997): Tema con variazioni

Jules Massenet (1842-1912): Méditation from 'Thaïs'

Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Petite pièce

Carlos Guastavino (1912-2000): Sonata.