Barnaby Robson – 1 2 3 11 [Barnaby Robson; Fiona Harris; Simon Chamberlain; Rebecca Chambers] [Orchid Classics: ORC100184] [Audio CD]

Description

Clarinettist Barnaby Robson performs a rich programme of 20th-century and contemporary music for clarinet and piano, including world-premiere recordings. The release opens with Barnaby Robsons collaboration with BAFTA-winning sound designer Martin Cantwell: a recording of Steve Reichs intricate New York Counterpoint, which involves eleven pre-recorded clarinet lines. Herbert Howells is celebrated for his choral music but his instrumental works are less famous; with pianist Fiona Harris, Robson performs the 1946 version of Howellss Clarinet Sonata, never recorded before. Three further world-premiere recordings follow: Robsons arrangement for clarinet, viola and piano of George Fentons Snow Leopard music originally composed for the BBCs Planet Earth for which Robson is joined by Simon Chamberlain (piano) and Rebecca Chambers (viola); Graham Fitkins mercurial Cusp for solo clarinet; and the witty Red Herring Blues for clarinet and piano by baritone-composer Roderick Williams. The recording is rounded off with two 20th-century French works: Poulencs Sonata for two clarinets (Robson has recorded both parts) and Debussys dazzling Premire Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano.