Max Bruch Music for Clarinet and Viola - Late Romantic Goodness

Like his friend and colleague Johannes Brahms, Max Bruch didn't write for the clarinet until late in his career. For Bruch, it was something personal. His son was an accomplished clarinetist and premiered the works on this release.

Although written in the early 1910s, these works are unapologetically Romantic in style. But there's nothing nostalgic about this music. Bruch is in full command of his materials, developing them in fresh and exciting ways.

The combination of clarinet and viola is brilliant. Both instruments have a dark, rich sound, that is even richer when they play in unison or in harmony. And yet they have different timbres and abilities, so dramatic contrast is also possible.

The double concerto gives both instruments their due. Lush harmonies support long, lyrical themes of uncommon beauty.

The eight pieces for clarinet, viola, and piano are eight succinct gems of chamber music. Some feature the clarinet, others the viola. Most, though, balance all three instruments equally.

Clarinetist Giovanni Punzi and violist Eva Katrine Dalsgaard seem to have a chemistry between them. Their performances dovetail neatly. Often their exchanges sound more like spontaneous conversations rather than playing assigned passages.

If you only know Bruch's First Violin Concerto, by all means, give this disc a listen. And if you are familiar with Bruch's broader catalog, give this disc a listen as well. It will not disappoint.

Max Bruch: Double concerto for Clarinet, Viola, and Orchestra, Op. 88
8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano, Op. 83
Giovanni Punzi, clarinet; Eva Katrine Dalsgaard, viola; Tanja Zapolski piano
Copenhagen Phil; Vincenzo Milletarì, conductor
Brilliant Classics 95673