INTENTIONS

Partnership in musical performance is routine yet rare in melting two or more parts into one creative whole. I am struck by this small miracle wrought in two CDs of Swedish musicians. Included are the two Brahms Clarinet Sonatas, two Mendelssohn Concert Pieces for clarinet, basset-horn, and piano, Weber's Grand Duo Concertante for clarinet and piano, Schumann's Phantasie Stücke opus 73, Hindemith's Sonata for clarinet and piano, and three substantial Duos for two clarinets by Bernhard Crusell

Weber's Duo, a three-movement work, is dramatic and operatic. Tension is activated by such embellishment, and therefore performers must create the right environment to release the full effect from a performance. In a gentler way Schumann's gorgeous set of pieces reveals its beauty only if given a sensitivity that must emanate from performers. [Click to listen.] Little known are the Mendelssohn pieces with basset-horn, characteristic and identifiable within any two bars. [Click to listen.] The alto clarinet adds an interesting colour, and has the agility to soar on its own, or take flight shadowing the treble instrument like a magnet.

With the two Brahms Sonatas, musical strength is firm and one feels glad that two such fine examples of writing provide the clarinet an opportunity for demonstrating its range of colour. Hindemith's Sonata, out of so many for different instruments, has always stayed in the basic modern repertoire for the excellent and satisfying work provided for two good players. [Click to listen.]

The owners of Nytorp Music obviously appreciate good music and performers. These two CDs are proof enough of their intentions.

To listen to the aural illustrations in this review, you may need to download RealNetworks' realplayer G2.