Josef Holbrooke – Chamber Music with Clarinet (CD)

Robert Plane, Lucy Gould, Mia Cooper, Scott Dickinson, David Adams, Alice Neary, Sophia Rahman

UPC: 761203773121 

MPN: cpo 777 731-2 

Brand Name: cpo

Overview

This recording brings to light the rarely-heard clarinet chamber music of Josef Holbrooke (1878–1958), one of Britain’s most individual and imaginative composers of the early 20th century. Performed by clarinetist Robert Plane with colleagues including Lucy Gould, Alice Neary, and Sophia Rahman, the album features the Clarinet Quintet Op. 27 alongside several first recordings, such as Cyrene, Phryne, and a set of Variations from the Quintet. Rich in Romantic color and expressive lyricism, Holbrooke’s chamber works for clarinet reflect both the late-Victorian tradition and his own adventurous harmonic voice.

Product Features

• Format: 1 Audio CD
• Total Time: 76:29 minutes
• Release Year: 2014
• Label: cpo
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Sound: DDD (Digital)

• Performers:

  • Robert Plane, clarinet
  • Lucy Gould, violin I
  • Mia Cooper, violin II
  • Scott Dickinson, viola (track 7)
  • David Adams, viola (tracks 1–3, 6, 8–9)
  • Alice Neary, cello
  • Sophia Rahman, piano

Track Listing

1–3. Clarinet Quintet Op. 27 – 27:43 4. Cyrene Op. 88b for clarinet & piano (First Recording) – 5:39 5. Phryne Op. 98b for clarinet & piano (First Recording) – 5:10 6. Variations for clarinet & string quartet (from Quintet Op. 27, First Recording) – 12:05 7. Fairyland Nocturne Op. 57 No. 1 for viola, clarinet & piano – 11:02 8. Eilean Shona Op. 74 for clarinet & string quartet – 9:54 9. Clarinet Quintet – Alternative Finale (for Reginald Kell) – 4:16

Interesting Facts

• Josef Holbrooke, sometimes called the “Cockney Wagner,” was a prolific composer whose music fell into obscurity despite its originality.
• The Clarinet Quintet Op. 27 is one of his most substantial chamber works, performed here in full with both the original and alternative finale.
• Three works (Cyrene, Phryne, and the Variations) appear here as world premiere recordings.
• The performers include leading UK chamber musicians, with clarinetist Robert Plane (noted for his advocacy of neglected British repertoire).
• The recording was supported by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the John Ireland Trust, underscoring its importance to British musical heritage.

Publishers

℗ 2014 cpo. Recording Producer & Engineer: Michael Ponder. Executive Producer: Burkhard Schmilgun. Cover Painting: William Trost Richards, Seestück (1897).

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