Mozart, Schumann & Others: Clarinet Trios Wigmore Soloists

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791): Clarinet Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 "Kegelstatt":
• 1 Mozart: Clarinet Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 "Kegelstatt": I. Andante 05:44
• 2 Mozart: Clarinet Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 "Kegelstatt": II. Menuetto 05:26
• 3 Mozart: Clarinet Trio in E-Flat Major, K. 498 "Kegelstatt": III. Allegretto 08:20
• Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856): Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132:
• 4 Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132: I. Lebhaft, nicht zu schnell 02:50
• 5 Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132: II. Lebhaft und sehr markirt 03:09
• 6 Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132: III. Ruhiges Tempo, mit zartem Ausdruck 04:02
• 7 Schumann: Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132: IV. Lebhaft, sehr markirt 04:20
• Max Bruch (1838 - 1920): 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola & Piano (Excerpts):
• 8 Bruch: 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola & Piano (Excerpts): No. 5. Rumänische Melodie 05:12
• 9 Bruch: 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola & Piano (Excerpts): No. 6. Nachtgesang 05:41
• 10 Bruch: 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola & Piano (Excerpts): No. 7. Allegro vivace, ma non troppo 03:18
• 11 Bruch: 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola & Piano (Excerpts): No. 8, Moderato 04:45
• Igor Stravinsky (1882 - 1971): Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts):
• 12 Stravinsky: Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts): I. Introduction. Marche du soldat 01:30
• 13 Stravinsky: Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts): II. Marche royale 02:30
• 14 Stravinsky: Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts): III. Petit concert 02:46
• 15 Stravinsky: Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts): IV. Trois danses. Tango - Valse - Ragtime 06:03
• 16 Stravinsky: Suite from L'histoire du soldat, Pt. 2, K029 (Excerpts): V. Danse du diable 01:17
• Total Runtime 01:06:53

Info for Mozart, Schumann & Others: Clarinet Trios

As core members of the ensemble Wigmore Soloists, Michael Collins, Isabelle van Keulen and Michael McHale present four works for clarinet trio composed over a period of some 130 years. Mozart’s Kegelstatt Trio was long believed to have been composed during a game of bowling. The writing is reminiscent of a conversation between three friends in which contrasts are not excluded: we hear affection, divergences and even disagreements. This atmosphere of friendly, playful, and sometimes very intimate exchange also pervades Schumann’s Märchenerzählungen (Fairy Tales). While its spirited conviviality might give the impression that this work was the product of idyllic times, it was actually composed during Schumann’s last full year of sanity before his final mental collapse in 1854.

There is a similar atmosphere of warm intimacy in Max Bruch’s Eight Pieces, written in 1910. Four of them are presented here, giving not a single hint of the approaching First World War. Based on a Russian folk tale, Stravinsky’s stage work L’Histoire du Soldat may be less good-natured than the preceding works. But the music is wonderfully entertaining, borrowing from various genres, including jazz. The composer’s trio version consist of five movements and has deservedly become his most frequently performed chamber composition.

Michael Collins, clarinet
Isabelle van Keulen, viola, violin
Michael McHale, piano
Wigmore Soloists

Wigmore Soloists
Formed in 2020, Wigmore Soloists is a chamber ensemble made up of a roster of outstanding musicians, led by Isabelle van Keulen and Michael Collins and created in collaboration with John Gilhooly, director of Wigmore Hall. The innovative en - semble performs repertoire both old and new, and commissions leading composers to expand further upon the extensive catalogue of chamber music works. The large core line-up of string quintet, wind quintet and piano makes it possible to perform a wide and varied repertoire and the members are dedicated to revitalising great works at the highest artistic level. Taking the name of one of the world’s most iconic concert halls (the first time an ensemble has been given this honour), the group gives regular concerts at Wigmore Hall and in other major venues around the world.

Booklet for Mozart, Schumann & Others: Clarinet Trios