The World of the Clarinet

While the clarinet is not as common in classical chamber music as say the violin or piano, its extreme versatility reaches across many styles. The program features two classical clarinet trios: Brahms Trio op. 114 and Beethoven's "Gassenhauer (Street Song)" Trio op. 11. Wildly popular among the vagabonds of 19th century Vienna, the third movement of Beethoven's trio incorporates a pop tune that was often sung at his local tavern: "Before I Work, I Must Have Something to Eat". The program then takes us to two mesmerizing and soulful works, infused with the Yiddish Klezmer music traditions of Eastern Europe, then presents us with a fun-loving and unique collaboration of double bass and clarinet. Finally guiding us through to a feverish finale, the experience ends with the tango-inspired music and driving rhythms of John Mackey's explosive work, Breakdown Tango.