The Lyrical Clarinet

Michael Collins, renowned for his virtuosic clarinet playing, presents "The Lyrical Clarinet," a captivating exploration of the instrument's expressive range. Accompanied by the skilled pianist Michael McHale, Collins delves into a diverse repertoire that showcases the clarinet's lyrical qualities. The album, released in 2011 under the Chandos label, spans a generous 80 minutes and encompasses a variety of styles and moods, from the pastoral elegance of Norbert Burgmüller's "Duo, Op. 15" to the contemporary allure of Arvo Pärt's "Spiegel im Spiegel."

Collins' interpretation of the "Five Bagatelles, Op. 23" by Gerald Finzi is particularly noteworthy, with each movement offering a distinct emotional landscape. The "Clarinet Quintet No. 3" by Carl Maria von Weber and the "Sonata, Op. 167" by Camille Saint-Saëns further highlight Collins' technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The album also features the enchanting "Suite from 'The Victorian Kitchen Garden'" by Robert Saxton, a work that paints vivid musical pictures of nature and time.

Throughout "The Lyrical Clarinet," Collins' playing is marked by a rich, rounded tone and a vocalised sense of phrasing that brings each piece to life. Whether he is performing the disarming simplicity of the "Carol" from Finzi's bagatelles or the fiery energy of the "Allegro con fuoco" from Francis Poulenc's "Sonata, FP 184," Collins' artistry shines through. This album is a testament to the clarinet's versatility and Collins' mastery of the instrument, offering a rewarding listening experience for classical music enthusiasts.