Brahms: Clarinet Quintet, Trio in A Minor & 6 Songs

Featuring

Martin Fröst
Janine Jansen
Boris Brovtsyn
Maxim Rysanov
Torleif Thedéen
Roland Pöntinen

Johannes Brahms

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Composer Biography

Brahms had a close relationship with the Meiningen Orchestra, as its conductor, Hans von Bülow, allowed him to try out his orchestral works before their official premieres.

Performer Biography

Martin Fröst, the clarinettist on this album, is the first clarinettist to receive the prestigious Léonie Sonning Music Prize, awarded for outstanding contributions to music.

Compositional Technique

The Clarinet Quintet's Adagio features florid arabesques and runs that evoke the free, fantastic Hungarian gypsy style, which was inspired by the verbunkos fiddling style and fascinated Brahms throughout his life.

Instruments

For the Clarinet Trio, Brahms chose the A clarinet, which produces a more sombre tone than the B-flat clarinet, likely at the suggestion of Richard Mühlfeld.

Composition History

Brahms's last four chamber works, including the Clarinet Quintet and Trio, were inspired by the artistry of Richard Mühlfeld, the principal clarinettist of the Meiningen Orchestra.

Notable Performances

The Clarinet Quintet and Trio were first performed in Meiningen on November 24, 1891, with Richard Mühlfeld playing the clarinet and Brahms himself taking the piano part in the Trio.

Composition History

Brahms had intended to stop composing after his G-major String Quintet, Op. 111, but Richard Mühlfeld's clarinet playing re-awakened his creative urge.