Album

The two sonatas of Brahms' Op. 120 for clarinet and piano (often also claimed by violists) mark part of the last great chapter in Brahms' compositions that coincide with his friendship with clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, before which Brahms had little or no exposure to a great clarinet collaborator in the same way he did with Joachim and the violin. Along with the Op. 114 Clarinet Trio and the Op. 115 Clarinet Quintet, Brahms demonstrates not only the pinnacle of his mature compositional style, but also the speed with which Mühlfeld motivated the nearly 60-year-old composer. Heard on this album performing these two great works of chamber music are clarinetist Jon Manasse and pianist Jon Nakamatsu. That these two artists have a long-standing history of collaboration becomes all the more obvious when listening to the seamless, almost organic connection between them. Balance between the two instruments is never once an issue even though Nakamatsu is never once felt to be holding back nor Manasse having to force. Their vision of the two sonatas is appropriately relaxed and introspective save for the almost jovial finale of the first sonata. Manasse's tone ranges from ethereal and whisper-like to soaring and piercing and everything in between. His control of dynamics is exceptional, drawing listeners in and keeping them on the edge of their seats throughout. This is absolutely one of the most successful recordings of these works to be released in recent memory and is sure to delight listeners.

© Mike Brownell, All Music Guide

CD 1
Johannes Brahms Composer Clarinet (or Viola) Sonata in Eb, Op.120, No.2 Work 21:17 Jon Manasse Clarinet, Jon Nakamatsu Piano
1	1.Allegro amabile	8:38			$0.99
2	2.Allegro appassionato	5:05			$0.99
3	3.Andante con moto. Allegro non troppo	7:34			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Clarinet (or Viola) Sonata in F-, Op.120, No.1 Work 22:42 Jon Manasse Clarinet, Jon Nakamatsu Piano
4	1.Allegro appassionato	8:02			$0.99
5	2.Andante un poco adagio	5:09			$0.99
6	3.Allegretto grazioso	4:35			$0.99
7	4.Vivace	4:56			$0.99