The re-presentation of A Portrait of Heinrich Baermann and A Portrait of Simon Hermstedt in this beautifully presented box set. Both CDs, also avaialble as digital downloads, incorporate both major repertoire and rare gems from the 18th and 19th centuries – an exciting period of development for the clarinet. The Baermann and Weber Quintets sit beside the Spohr Six German Songs and Mozart’s Aria from La Clemenza di Tito.
Listeners will be taken on a wonderful musical journey, reacquainting themselves with both masterpieces from the repertoire and lesser known gems including Baermann’s Air Varié and Paer’s ‘Una voce al cor mi parla’.
Victoria Samek – clarinet
with Elizabeth Ritchie – soprano Roger Heaton – basset horn
Julius Drake and Jennifer Purvis – piano
Duke String Quartet and The Mühlfeld Trio
- Weber’s glorious Quintet – one of the cornerstones of the chamber repertoire
- Baermann Quintet – which includes the famous Adagio in it’s original context
- The two Konzertstück by Mendelssohn
- Songs and Arias by Spohr and Mozart for soprano and featuring an obligato clarinet
- Weber’s Seven Variations Op.33
These are just some of the highlights on this double album of gems. With more than 150 minutes of music, this wonderful collection features masterpieces which will be cherished by any lover of classical music. Gems of the Clarinet was inspired by Victoria’s friendship with world renowned clarinet historian Pamela Weston, author of many publications and books including Clarinet Virtuosi of the Past.
” What a splendid performance it receives (Weber Quintet). Victoria Soames has a beautifully rounded tone, a sensitive feeling for style, and a seemingly effortless technique.”
Musical Times“Victoria Soames is the star of the disc ….. she performs with style and grace and is able to accompany the soprano where necessary, before stepping in to the limelight herself when needed.”
Classic CD
Playing Time: 153 mins.
CC0027
