Brahms / Pfeffer / Wahl Clarinet Sonatas 120 & Klavierstuecke 119 CD

With Opp. 119 and 120, this release regroups the last solo piano work and the last chamber work composed by Brahms. These two genres played a major role in his output, and in these pieces one can easily hear that Brahms is drawing a finishing stroke. Their respective structures contrast as much as possible with one another- extended sonatas vs. Short pieces- thereby offering us a glimpse into the inexhaustible universe of a composer's entire life. Placed between the two monumental sonatas, the piano intermezzos offer the listener a breather for introspection and contemplation. Nicolai Pfeffer is a rising clarinet player who is about to make a spectacular career. He is a professor at three major universities in Cologne, Bremen, and Munich.

1. Brahms: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120 (1894) - I. Allegro Appassionato. Sostenuto Ed Espressivo 2. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120 (1894) - II. Andante Un Poco Adagio 3. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120 (1894) - III. Allegretto Grazioso 4. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120 (1894) - IV. Vivace 5. Brahms: Piano Pieces, Op. 119 (1892) - No. 1 Intermezzo H-Moll / in B minor 6. Piano Pieces, Op. 119 (1892) - No. 2 Intermezzo E-Moll / in E minor 7. Piano Pieces, Op. 119 (1892) - No. 3 Intermezzo C-Dur / in C Major 8. Piano Pieces, Op. 119 (1892) - No. 4 Rhapsodie Es-Dur / in E Flat Major 9. Brahms: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 2 in D Flat Major, Op. 120 (1894) - I. Allegro Amabile 10. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 2 in D Flat Major, Op. 120 (1894) - II. Allegro Appassionato 11. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 2 in D Flat Major, Op. 120 (1894) - III. Andante Con Moto - Allegro