Stravinsky: Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet

Renowned as a virtuoso jazz clarinetist and legendary bandleader, Benny Goodman is also remembered for the works he commissioned from leading composers of his day. Poulenc’s strikingly beautiful Clarinet Sonata was his last composition, while Bernstein’s was his first published piece. Both Gershwin and Stravinsky added their distinctive stamp to the swing vibe which was all the rage in the early 20th century. The jazz flavour of Morton Gould’s Benny’s Gig is heightened by the unusual coupling of clarinet and double bass, while pungent folk rhythms define Bartók’s virtuoso Contrasts.

The performer and composer Matthias Müller demonstrates here to great effect that the clarinet is well suited to feats of virtuosity. His new concerto centers on subtle aspects of sound as well as rhythmic flexibility. The CD also includes classic items from the solo clarinet repertoire. Includes bonus DVD.

During the 20th Century, compositions for mixed ensembles contrasting disparate timbres became increasingly important, with the clarinet being a mainstay of these ensembles. Eventually, more and more works were composed for solo clarinet, on this recording Evgeni Orkin has chosen several of the most fascinating, including his own composition - Jüdische Suite for Clarinet solo.