Clarinetist Anthony McGill and pianist Gloria Chien reunite to perform Brahms’ dramatic Clarinet Sonatas No. 1 in F Minor and No. 2 in E-flat Major. After a transformative performance by clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld in 1890, Brahms broke his self-imposed retirement and composed these sonatas, along with other clarinet works, dedicated to the virtuoso.

Epitomizing Brahms’ “late style,” the sonatas offer a striking “chiaroscuro,” with the dark, passionate first sonata contrasting the second’s light-filled lyricism. Our own virtuosos McGill and Chien bring these works to life, exploring the intense dialogue between the two instruments in music that spans from songful to symphonic.

Program

BRAHMS Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F Minor
BRAHMS Clarinet Sonata No. 2 in E-flat Major

Anthony McGill, clarinet
Gloria Chien, piano