Description:

The first and second clarinet sonatas are said to have been inspired by Brahms's clarinet sonatas. All three are important clarinet works with complex phrasing and unique harmonic progressions, and the piano part is extremely difficult and requires considerable skill. Etsuko Okazaki, a leading pianist who is attracting attention as a mid-career clarinetist, took up the challenge of performing the entire Reger Clarinet Sonata. This is a collection of works with rich shadings and deep worlds, written with a neat sound and exquisite ensemble, which is a great pleasure to listen to. (C)RS