Klarinet Archive - Posting 000393.txt from 1996/06

From: Kathy Matasy <KMATASY@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: American works for cl and pno
Date: Tue, 25 Jun 1996 11:15:01 -0400

I'm rather fond of the Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Daniel Gregory
Mason (1873-1953), a grand "romantic" piece that isn't heard very often.
In the music history books, Mason is loosely grouped with the "Boston
classicists" (Chadwick, Paine, Burlingame Hill and their ilk) and like them
, didn't develop an original style so the music is kind of Euro-derivative.
Nonetheless, this Sonata (1915) is a very strong work, well written for both
clarinet and piano, satisfying and fun (though tiring) to play. It's awfully
long, though (25-30 minutes).

Alec Templeton's little sonatas, in a jazzy style, are well received
on recital programs.

I also like Copland's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. It's really a
transcription from his violin sonata, but it has his imprimatur as a bona
fide clarinet work. Very "American prairie" sounding, as only Copland can
be.

Kathy Matasy
kmatasy@-----.edu
Boston free-lancer; faculty, Wellesley College, Clark University, New
England Conservatory Ext. Div.