Clarinettist Barnaby Robson performs a rich program of 20th-century and contemporary music for clarinet and piano, including world-premiere recordings. The release opens with Barnaby Robson's collaboration with BAFTA-winning sound designer Martin Cantwell: a recording of Steve Reich's intricate New York Counterpoint, which involves eight pre-recorded clarinet lines (the forces of which are referenced in the album's title.) Herbert Howells is celebrated for his choral music but his instrumental works are less famous; with pianist Fiona Harris, Robson performs the 1946 version of Howells's Clarinet Sonata, never recorded before. Three further world-premiere recordings follow: Robson's arrangement for clarinet, viola and piano of George Fenton's Snow Leopard - music originally composed for the BBC's Planet Earth - for which Robson is joined by Simon Chamberlain and Rebecca Chambers; Graham Fitkin's mercurial Cusp for solo clarinet; and the witty Red Herring Blues for clarinet and piano by baritone-composer Roderick Williams. The recording is rounded off with two 20th-century French works: Poulenc's Sonata for two clarinets (Robson has recorded both parts) and Debussy's dazzling PremiÃ¨re Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano.

Tracklist:

New York Counterpoint (Version For Amplified Clarinet & Tape): I. Fast
New York Counterpoint (Version For Amplified Clarinet & Tape): II. Slow
New York Counterpoint (Version For Amplified Clarinet & Tape): III. Fast
Clarinet Sonata: I. Con Moto, Dolce E Con Tenerezza (1946 Version)
Clarinet Sonata: II. Allegro, Ritmico, Con Brio (1946 Version)
Clarinet Sonata: II. Allegro, Ritmico, Con Brio (Extended Version)
The Snow Leopard (From "Planet Earth") [Arr. B. Robson For Clarinet, Viola & Piano]
Cusp For Solo Clarinet
Red Herring Blues
Sonata For 2 Clarinets, Fp 7a: I. Presto
Sonata For 2 Clarinets, Fp 7a: II. Andante
Sonata For 2 Clarinets, Fp 7a: III. Vif
Première Rhapsodie, L. 116

UPC: 5060189561841
Label: Orchid Classics
Release Date: 11.19.21
Format: CD

Various Artists - 1 2 3 11 (CD)