Customer Reviews

Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas and Trio

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Karl Leister is a clarinetist's clarinetist- and this is some of his best playing. His playing is not only a great example of the German clarinet sound but also the clarinet sound in general-a warm, dark, pure sound. Although Stoltzman is an innovator and a one-of-a-kind musician, Leister on the other hand is someone who exemplifies a "school" of clarinet playing- one that other people can follow and work with and produce their own unique sound within a certain framework (In no way would I elect Stoltzman as a representative of the "American" school of playing- most American clarinetists in fact do not sound like him). It is this reason why I would chose, as a clarinetist and musician, a Leister interpretation over a Stoltzman interpretation any day. For those who complain that this type of playing lacks emotion and passion I would say stick around and keep listening- your tastes may change!

No showy movements that are popular among American clarinettists. If you prefer Americanized Brahms, this disc is obviously not recommendable, but you like genuine Brahms in the European style, this is one of the best CDs which I have ever heard.

In Karl Leister we have the polar opposite of Richard Stoltzman. Stoltzman's phrasing is unenduringly cloying. Leister's will cure insomnia. Leister is an expert clarinetist. (How else could he have been first desk of the Berlin Philharmonic?) However, when he plays solo and chamber repertoire, he demonstrates little zest or imagination. The late works of Brahms call for a penetrating musicianship that is lacking in these interpretations.

Last time I checked, the "european style" (whatever that means... I don't believe there is a universal european style anymore than you could say that Harold Wright and Richard Stotlzman playing in the universal "american style") didn't constitue playing with little phrasing, expression, or emotion. And that, for the most part, is how Leister plays these Brahms. As a previous reviewer stated, his playing is technically superb, so you can't fault him for this. His versions just aren't that interesting. You can find a lot worse out there, but this CD isn't going to blow you away either.

The Trio is pretty well done, though it is stylistic pretty reserved as well. This is such a beautiful, well written composition however, that even a blander performance is still satisfying for me.

I personally recommend Stoltzman's Brahms and the Brahms Trio by Stoltzman/Ma/Ax. To again concur with another poster, Stoltzman's version of these three pieces are indeed the polar opposite of Leister's. I personally like to error on the side of too much passion rather than too little, so Stoltzman's is still my personal favorite.

All that being said, the CD isn't completely worthless. Leister's sound is flawless and very pleasing, and any clarinetist would certainly benefit from hearing his example. Also, many performers (at least those I've met) are intimidated by the "towering" works on the clarinet rep (the Brahms Sonatas certainly being two). If nothing else, Leister's playing might serve as a cautionary tale that less isn't always more... = )