Bass Clarinet and Friends – A Miscellany

Name: Bass Clarinet and Friends - A Miscellany
SKU: 809730857928
Availability: InStock

Price range: £8.99 through £14.99

Format

CDMP3 320KbpsFLAC 16-bit/44KHD 24-bit

Label: Métier
Catalogue No: MSV 28579
EAN/UPC: 809730857928
Artists: Aleksander Szram, Alison Wells, Caroline Balding, Gemini, Ian Mitchell, Ileana Ruhemann, Mick Foster, Naomi Sullivan, Ruth Ehrlich, Sophie Harris, Yuko Inoue
Composers: Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Dave Smith, Edwin York Bowen, Helen Roe, Huw Watkins, John White, Jonathan Harvey, Sadie Harrison, William O. Smith
Release Date: September 2018
Genres: Chamber Music, Clarinet or Saxophone
Periods: Contemporary
Discs: 2
Total Playing Time: 89:17

Ian Mitchell is a leading performer on all members of the clarinet family and has made recordings with most of them. Here a miscellany of pieces demonstrates the range and mellifluousness of the bass clarinet, in music of several styles from the Romantic to the Modern including the jazz-influenced, duets with voice, Cuban dances and other ensemble pieces. Works by leading American and British composers and some who deserve wider recognition based on the fine pieces presented here. Included is a suite by William O. Smith, better known as jazz legend Bill Smith, for two bass clarinets.

Ian Mitchell has for many years also led the Gemini ensemble which is very highly regarded in the UK for its work in modern music. Guest appearances from Friends complete a fine line up of expert musicians:

Gemini – Ian Mitchell, Ileana Ruhemann, Aleksander Szram, Caroline Balding, Yuko Inoue, Sophie Harris, with Friends –
Ruth Ehrlich, Mick Foster, Naomi Sullivan, Alison Wells.

Due to the program length this is a 2-CD set but is to be sold at the price of one.

Track Listing

Edwin York Bowen (1888-1961):

Phantasy Quintet, Op. 93 (14:36)

William O. Smith (b.1926): Jazz Set

I. Swinging (2:48)
II. Moderato (2:01)
III. Slow (2:15)
IV. Energetic (3:14)

Cheryl Frances-Hoad (b.1980):

How to Win an Election (6:31)

Sadie Harrison (b.1965): Owl of the Hazels (Lazdynn Peleda)

I. Anksta ryta keliau (I woke up early)(4:01)
II. Prapuoliau motula (I am lost, mother)(3:52)

Dave Smith (b. 1959): Aragonesca

I. Tempo di Son (6:13)
II. Tempo di Danzón – Mambo (6:30)
III. Tempo di Rumba (2:19)

Huw Watkins (b.1976):

Double

Helen Roe (b.1955): Birds, Earth, Sun, Sky and Water

I. Across the Red Sky (5:08)
II. The Awakening River (3:58)

John White (b.1936): Concertino for bass Clarinet and String Trio

I. Robotic (2:43)
II. Suave, serene (4:11)
III. Valse (2:41)

Jonathan Harvey (1939-2012):

The Riot (10:21)

Reviews

Tempo

“
An ambitious exploration of chamber works featuring this versatile and underrepresented member of the woodwind family. The discs offer a window into the world of the bass clari¬net, creating a welcome space for the instrument to show its many varied colours. The collection of tracks presented as two ‘sets’ is deliberately far reaching and includes composers whose styles vary enor¬mously. Performances (throughout the disc) are immaculate.
” —Laura Shipsey

Fanfare

“
There is much variety among the styles and instrumentation of these wonderfully played works such that the listener will be held rapt through the duration of this program. Lovers of well-written chamber music in varying contemporary styles will definitely not want to miss this set.
” —David DeBoor Canfield

American Record Guide

“
Ian Mitchell continues to sharpen Gemini’s reputation as a group of eclectic and open-minded musicians with a fondness for new compositions. The overall presentation is solid…traditional and idiomatic selections are well done—the Bowen is beautifully played, and the White and the Smith are clean and rhythmic.
” —Patrick Hanudel

MusicWeb International

“
All the playing is of the highest standard.. The recording is perfect, and the documentation is most helpful. This highly-imaginative programme explores a diverse range of music. It is thoroughly enjoyable from the first track to the last.
” —John France