Michael Collins, the clarinettist on this album, is a highly regarded soloist and conductor, and was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Instrumentalist of the Year Award in 2017.
Composition History
Brahms had announced his retirement in 1890 at age 57, but was inspired to compose again after hearing clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld play.
Interpretation
Following Brahms's practice of allowing alternative instrumentation, Michael Collins, the clarinettist on this album, has adapted the Violin Sonata in A major, Op. 100, for the clarinet.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms found the clarinet particularly suited to his artistic and emotional needs, especially its dark, 'chocolatey' lower register, which lends itself to music of an autumnal or shadowy character.
Performer Biography
Stephen Hough, the pianist on this album, is recognized as one of the most important pianists of his generation and was named one of 'Twenty Living Polymaths' by The Economist for his work as a composer, writer, and painter.
Compositional Technique
Brahms often indicated alternative instruments for his chamber works; his clarinet sonatas were adapted for publication to be playable on the viola with minor adjustments.
Composer Biography
Brahms nicknamed clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld 'Fräulein Klarinette' due to the 'feminine' vocal qualities of his playing, a name that might pun on 'Clara' (Clara Schumann, a great love of Brahms's life).
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