• Denisov: Sonata for clarinet

Edison Denisov (1929 - 1996) was one of the courageous group of Soviet composers who came to artistic maturity in the 1960s and persisted in writing unusual or even frankly avant-garde compositions. He was, therefore, frequently in disfavor with the ruling powers in Soviet music, for that reason losing opportunities to get his music performed. This solo sonata is regarded as one of the keystones of the modernist post-serial clarinet literature of the last third of the twentieth century, and has exerted a strong influence on much subsequent music for the instrument.


It is only about six and a half minutes long, and is a fascinating exploration of effects that were scarcely considered possible on the instrument. The opening slow movement is built on a tragic rising and falling half-step interval, but very soon the clarinetist, through unorthodox fingerings and note bending with the lips produces intervals (so-called quarter tones or third tones) that are outside the common twelve-note chromatic set.


These, and short glissandos, intensify the air of tragedy that is prevalent here. There are also unusual color effects, such as a "brrrr" sound produced while executing a trill. The concluding fast movement explodes into action like a Shostakovich work, full of bitterness and protest. Here the intervals seem more normal, but the mood is even more tragic than the opening movement, as the clarinet screams in panic into its high register and bleats in helplessness.

Denisov: Sonata for clarinet

  • HK$165.00


標籤: Denisov: Sonata for clarinet, 9790004140222, BG1017, MBK1204, Denissow