Chamber music of Johannes Brahms ... February 14, 1997

Abstract

"Tonight's program provides the listener with examples of each of these romantic characteristics. The first of the two songs of Op. 91 is filled with a sense of longing and with numerous references to nature; the second, a fonder lullaby sung by the Virgin Mary, is based on an old German Christmas carol. Brahms's predilection for rich, dark sonorities is seen in his choice of the viola and the mezzo-soprano voice. Another of his favorite instruments was the clarinet, whose sound he came to love after he met the remarkable clarinetist Richard Muhlfeld. Among.the flourish of works with clarinet which resulted from this meeting are the Clarinet Quintet, Op. 115, the two sonatas for clarinet and piano, Op. 120, and the profound Clarinet Trio of 1891'in which he provides an array of unforgetiable melodies, lush harmonies, and inventive instrumental texture."--Notes