Andreas SpÃ¤th was a clarinetist, a violinist, an organist, and a voice teacher as well as the city music director in NeuchÃ¢tel, the concertmaster of the Ducal Court Orchestra in Coburg, and an honorary member of the Swiss Music Society. His death at the ripe old age of eighty-five in 1876 marked the end of an active and richly varied musician's life - so that it is hardly surprising that he wrote more than 150 compositions for a wide range of genres. Rita Karin Meier has explored SpÃ¤th's works for clarinet, his early main instrument, and teams up with the Galatea Quartet and Karl-Andreas Kolly for a long-overdue tribute to this composer who is entirely forgotten today. The Nocturnes, the three Melodies, and the Elegy also very much reflect the character of romantic composition. The title of the last work in particular might mislead today's listeners. Anything but melancholy and sorrowful, it tends more to the free form of a fantastic character piece and includes spirited polonaises. There is also more to the Melodies than the title might suggest; they are concertante duets elaborated with fine art. Meier, the principal clarinetist at the Zurich Opera, and Kolly present these works with wit and charm- in what is a highly rewarding discovery!

Tracklist:

Introduction ; Variations Op. 133, on Weber's favorite Romance from Preciosa for clarinet and string quartet
Three Nocturnes Op. 175 for clarinet and piano~No. 1: Recitativo - Andante
Three Nocturnes Op. 175 for clarinet and piano~No. 2: Adagio e con molto espressione
Three Nocturnes Op. 175 for clarinet and piano~No. 3: Adagio
Fantaisie on an aria by Mozart Op. 119 for clarinet and piano
Elegie Op. 178 for clarinet and piano
Three Melodies Op. 196 for clarinet and piano~No. 1: Andante moderato
Three Melodies Op. 196 for clarinet and piano~No. 2: Poco Adagio e con molto espressione
Three Melodies Op. 196 for clarinet and piano~No. 3: Non troppo Allegro
Variations Op. 69 for clarinet and string quartet

UPC: 760623211961
Label: Mdg
Release Date: 5.31.19
Format: CD

Spath / Galatea-Quartet / Kolly - Clarinet & Piano & String Quart (CD)