Joseph Horovitz: The Essential Collection

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of clarinet chamber music with Joseph Horovitz: The Essential Collection. This captivating album, released on January 1, 2014, under the Clarinet and Saxophone Classics label, showcases the complete clarinet chamber works of Joseph Horovitz, a composer beloved by clarinetists worldwide. Spanning a diverse range of styles and moods, the album features 16 tracks, including sonatinas, suites, and variations, all performed with exquisite skill and artistry.

The album opens with the Clarinet Sonatina in B-Flat Major, a charming three-movement piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Other highlights include the evocative 2 Majorcan Pieces, inspired by the composer's time on the Spanish island, and the lively Concertante for Clarinet & String Quartet. The album also features arrangements of works originally written for other instruments, such as the Violin Sonata in D Major, Op. 137 No. 1, D. 384, which has been masterfully adapted for clarinet and string quartet by Joseph Horovitz himself.

The album's second half showcases Horovitz's playful and inventive side, with pieces like the Jazz Suite (Arr. for 4 Clarinets) and Diversions on a Familiar Theme. The Jazz Suite, in particular, is a delightful blend of classical and jazz elements, featuring three movements that range from the playful Scherzando to the sultry Blues and the ragtime-inspired Owl Glass Rag.

With a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, Joseph Horovitz: The Essential Collection is a treasure trove of clarinet chamber music that is sure to captivate and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned clarinet enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the full range of Joseph Horovitz's compositional genius.