CD Review
Philip Arkinstall and Kristian Chong | True Romantics
Clara Schumann Romances Op. 22 Arr: Roger Young
Johannes Brahms Sonata Op.120, No.1 in F minor and Sonata Op.120, No.2 in E flat
Philip Arkinstall – clarinet, Kristian Chong – piano
MOVE Records Catalogue number MCD 668
The inspired coupling of music by Clara Schumann and Brahms highlights two great composers writing music at different points in their lives. Clara was only 34 and full of youthful energy whilst Brahms was near the end of his life. They knew each other well and indeed much has been speculated about Brahms unrequited love for Clara. To hear these works on the same CD adds an extra layer of meaning to their music and friendship.
The Schumann work is a fine arrangement by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra violinist Roger Young of the Op.22 Violin Romances. So skilfully does this reworking sound it is hard to believe that this is not an original scoring and at the hands of these performers, Philip Arkinstall, clarinet, and pianist Kristian Chong the music sings its way into your heart. Hard to choose a favourite but the 3rd mvt, Leiden schaftlich schnell, goes close.
The two Sonatas by Brahms were written very close to each other and both beautifully inhabit a musical world that calmly oscillates between sombre hues and brightness sometimes bordering on ecstasy.
Listening to the opening mvts of the 1st Sonata it is as if we are looking on a conversation undertaken between two close friends such is the intimacy of the music. Arkinstall and Chong relish this music of introspection and exquisite beauty. The Allegretto grazioso and the Vivace fly along provoking smiles of delight. All technical issues with the music disappear under their expert performance allowing the true Brahms to surface.
The Sonata Op.120, No.2 starts off with an élan missing in the f minor Sonata but it too explores music of warmth and Brahms has obvious delight in exploring the different tonal colours offered throughout the clarinet’s range. So often you are caught up in the astonishing beauty of the music and the performance.
Australia is most fortunate to have some superb world-class clarinettists and foremost amongst this elite group is Philip Arkinstall and his collaboration with Kristian Chong is impeccable. This is a CD that bears repeated listening.
True Romantics is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering. Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.
