from the University Union, Sheffield
Chamber Music played by William Tomlinson (clarinet)
Eric Eaden (violin)
F. H. Shera (pianoforte)
Sonata in E flat, Op. 120, No. 2 for clarinet and pianoforte Brahms I Allegro amabile. 2 Allegro appassionato ma non troppo. 3 Andante con moto
Sonata in D minor, Op. 108, for violin and pianoforte Brahms 1 Allegro. 2 Adagio. 3 Un poco presto e con sentimento. 4 Presto agitato
Early in 1891, when Brahms went to stay with the Duke of Meiningen, he heard Mühlfeld, principal clarinet of the Meiningen Orchestra, whose tone was as beautiful as his execution was clean and brilliant.
Brahms was so impressed that he asked Miihlfeld for a private recital, at which Miihlfeld played many examples of clarinet music and explained the finer technical points of his instrument. The result was that Brahms composed four works in which the clarinet played a predominant part: two sonatas for clarinet and piano, a trio for clarinet, cello, and piano, and a quintet for clarinet and string quartet.
The last mentioned was broadcast on Monday and the second of the sonatas will be heard this afternoon. The E flat Sonata, like the No. 1, in F minor, secures a beautiful balance between the two instruments and the music itself is characteristic of Brahms's concentrated style.