Aside from his brilliance as a player, the clarinettist Philippe Cuper has earned a reputation forhis  dedication in promoting new music. This CD brings together music by the Alternative Paris School of Composers who offer a contrast to the more avant garde style represented by Boulez and returns to a more lyrical language.  This important release by the rising stars of French contemporary music is played by the works dedicatee and fellow Parisian.

Made available for the first time in physical and digital formats, all the works are receving their premiere recordings. Including a hypnotic performance of Narcissus, a piece transcribed for clarinet and digital delay, performed with technical brilliance by Victoria Soames Samek. Supported by extensive notes written by the composer, all the works were recorded in the presence of the composer and represent some of the finest 20th century repertoire featuring the clarinet.

This recording devoted to the clarinet chamber music of Thea Musgrave, encapsulates the impact that can result from a creative relationship between player and composer. Including some of Victoria’s earliest commissions and dedications from a composer, who Victoria described as “writing for the clarinet with such depth of understanding”, were recorded in the presence of the composer. These performances have the dynamic vibrancy and authenticity which will enrapture listeners and entice players to programme her music.

Brought together for the first time on one CD, three highly significant works by one of today’s leading composers. Victoria Soames Samek is joined joined by Thea Musgrave who conducts the clarinet concerto and Autumn Sonata, (commissioned by Soames Samek), both receiving their first CD recording. The disc is completed by Musgrave’s The Seasons. A highly important recording with electrifying  technical brilliance and dynamic musicality from the empathetic connection between soloist and composer.