Novels, Numbers, and Notes

Lately, I have developed a strong interest in the clarinet. Scrolling through my Spotify history, I was surprised to see just how much this particular instrument has occupied my listening. For me, the clarinet can provide both a calming, soothing timbre, as well as an upbeat, playful mood.

Max Bruch’s Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano not only provide these various sounds and styles for the clarinet, but the viola and piano as well. Bruch has a masterful way of blending these three instruments, and if you are new to Bruch’s style, these pieces are an ideal starting point. They are relatively short, ranging anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes depending on the recording. They also vary in tempo and mood. The seventh piece (see score and audio track below), Allegro vivace, ma non troppo, is one of these shorter, more upbeat works.

Before finding these eight pieces, my only exposure to the works of Bruch was his violin concerto. It was such a delight to have stumbled across these pieces for chamber ensemble. I hope this has piqued your interest as well and you find some time to give them a listen.

Audio/Sheet music provided by Musopen.org, a non-profit library of royalty-free and public domain music