Brahms was retired from composition when he first heard clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, and was so taken with his playing that he returned to write four of his most iconic works, the clarinet trio, the clarinet quintet, and the two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano. The two sonatas are both the pinnacle of chamber music for the clarinet and of Brahms’ writing—like other works from the end of Brahms’ life, he uses the most basic building blocks of composition to create works that are deeply expressive, moving, and profound.
Our featured artist is the great Irish clarinetist Carol McGonnell, hailed as “an extraordinary clarinetist” by The New York Times and “elastic, exacting, stupendous” by the LA Times—the ideal musician to lead these stunning works.
Admission: Suggested donation $10
About Carol McGonnell:
Hailed as "an extraordinary clarinetist" by the New York Times, "elastic, exacting, stupendous” by the LA Times and "clarinet genius" by Time Out NY, Dublin born clarinetist, Carol McGonnell, is known for the expressive power of her playing of standard repertoire while also enjoying acclaim for her fearless exploration of cutting-edge developments in
new music. Carol is a founding member of the Argento Chamber Ensemble. She has been involved in the commissioning of over 100 new works, ranging from solo pieces to clarinet concerti. Read more