Dive into the captivating world of chamber music with Thea Musgrave's "Chamber Music for Clarinet, Vol. 1 – Pierrot Dreaming." This album, released on January 1, 2002, under the Clarinet and Saxophone Classics label, showcases the exquisite talents of Victoria Soames-Samek and Mark Troop. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, this collection is a testament to Musgrave's mastery of the clarinet and her ability to create evocative, intricate compositions.
The album opens with "Canta, Canta," setting the stage for a journey through a variety of moods and themes. The six-part "Ring Out Wild Bells" suite is a highlight, each movement offering a distinct emotional landscape from declamatory to peaceful and confident. The "Threnody" trio is another standout, with its three movements ranging from free tempo to agitated and lamenting. The title piece, "Pierrot Dreaming," is a theatrical suite inspired by the commedia dell'arte character Pierrot, featuring eight movements that tell a dramatic story.
Musgrave's "Chamber Concerto No. 2" rounds out the album, with its four movements showcasing a range of tempos and moods. From the adagio's slow, solemn pace to the prestissimo's rapid, lighthearted energy, this concerto is a display of technical skill and musical depth. Throughout the album, Musgrave's compositions are characterized by their rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and evocative melodies, making "Chamber Music for Clarinet, Vol. 1 – Pierrot Dreaming" a compelling exploration of the clarinet's expressive potential.
(C) 2002 Clarinet and Saxophone Classics(P) 2002 Clarinet and Saxophone Classics
Tracks
Canta, CantaThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: I. DeclamatoryThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: II. SombreThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: III. LamentingThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: IV. Exhilarated. Very FastThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: V. Mysterious, ShiftyThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Ring Out Wild Bells: VI. Peaceful, ConfidentThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Threnody (Version for Clarinet & Piano): I. Tempo liberoThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Mark Troop
Threnody (Version for Clarinet & Piano): II. AgitatoThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Mark Troop
Threnody (Version for Clarinet & Piano): III. LamentosoThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Mark Troop
Pierrot: I. PierrotThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: II. ColumbineThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: III. Pierrot's SerenadeThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: IV. HarlequinThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: V. Harlequin Attacks PierrotThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: VI. Columbine Rejects PierrotThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: VII. Harlequin's SerenadeThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Pierrot: VIII. PierrotThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Mark Troop
Chamber Concerto No. 2: I. AdagioThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Gabrielle Byam-Grounds, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Chamber Concerto No. 2: II. Andante liricamenteThea Musgrave, Gabrielle Byam-Grounds, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Chamber Concerto No. 2: III. Prestissimo secco e leggieroThea Musgrave, Victoria Soames-Samek, Gabrielle Byam-Grounds, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop
Chamber Concerto No. 2: IV. Presto misteriosoThea Musgrave, Gabrielle Byam-Grounds, Victoria Soames-Samek, David le Page, Matthew Sharp, Mark Troop