Victoria Soames-Samek's "On the Winds of English Melody" is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of English classical music, showcasing her exceptional skill on the clarinet. Released in 1999 under the Clarinet and Saxophone Classics label, this chamber music album spans a little over an hour and thirteen minutes, offering a diverse collection of pieces that highlight both traditional and contemporary compositions.
The album features works by notable composers such as Stanford, Ireland, Finzi, and Bliss, with John Flinders accompanying on piano. It includes the complete Clarinet Sonata, Op. 129 by Johannes Brahms, a cornerstone of the clarinet repertoire, as well as the charming 6 Studies in English Folk Song, arranged for clarinet and piano. Additionally, the album presents lesser-known gems like the Fantasy-Sonata in E-Flat Major, 5 Bagatelles, Op. 23, Pastoral, and Clarinet Sonatina in G Minor, Op. 29, providing a comprehensive exploration of the clarinet's expressive range.
Victoria Soames-Samek, a renowned clarinetist and educator, brings her profound musical insight and technical prowess to this recording. Her collaboration with pianist John Flinders results in a performance that is both nuanced and vibrant, capturing the essence of each composition with clarity and depth. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful and enriching listening experience, showcasing the beauty and versatility of the clarinet in a variety of musical contexts.
(C) 1999 Clarinet and Saxophone Classics(P) 1999 Clarinet and Saxophone Classics
Tracks
Clarinet Sonata, Op. 129: I. Allegro moderatoCharles Villiers Stanford, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Clarinet Sonata, Op. 129: II. Caoine. Adagio quasi fantasiaCharles Villiers Stanford, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Clarinet Sonata, Op. 129: III. Allegro graziosoCharles Villiers Stanford, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 1, Lovely on the Water. AdagioRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 2, Spurn Point. Andante sostenutoRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 3, Van Diemen's Land. LarghettoRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 4, The Lady and the Dragon. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 5, She Borrowed Some of Her Mother's Gold. Andante tranquilloRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
6 Studies in English Folk Song (Version for Clarinet & Piano): No. 6, As I Walked over London Bridge. Allegro vivaceRalph Vaughan Williams, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Fantasy-Sonata in E-Flat Major: III. Andante, cantando ed un poco misterioso - Variations - AndanteJohn Ireland, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23: No. 1, PreludeGerald Finzi, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23: No. 2, RomanceGerald Finzi, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23: No. 3, CarolGerald Finzi, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23: No. 4, ForlanaGerald Finzi, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
5 Bagatelles, Op. 23: No. 5, FughettaGerald Finzi, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
PastoralArthur Bliss, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Clarinet Sonatina in G Minor, Op. 29: I. Allegro con brioMalcolm Arnold, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Clarinet Sonatina in G Minor, Op. 29: II. AndantinoMalcolm Arnold, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
Clarinet Sonatina in G Minor, Op. 29: III. FuriosoMalcolm Arnold, Victoria Soames-Samek, John Flinders
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