J. Brahms : Clarinet Sonata No.2, Op.120

Cl. : Martin Fröst Pf. : Roland Pöntinen 0:00 Mvt.1 - Allegro amabile 8:05 Mvt.2 - Allegro appassionato 13:03 Mvt.3 - Andante con moto - Allegro (Detailed timeline in comment) This piece, with its remarkably charming and 'amabile' melodic theme, is a beautiful composition that shares a similar characteristic with the violin Sonata No. 2, where the tempo marking of the first movement is identical. The initial ascending bass line in the first movement and the descending bass line in the second movement starkly showcase their contrasting differences, and the choice of the uncommon key of E-flat major adds a special sense of contemplation. At first listen, the thematic material in the first movement may not appear to employ Brahms' rigorous contrapuntal techniques as extensively as in other compositions. While it does exhibit some difference compared to the highly meticulous structure shown in the Sonata No. 1, this piece still demonstrates the development of motifs quite effectively. As with most of Brahms' works, the structural solidity enhances the beauty present in this piece to a higher level.