A feisty programme of music all inspired in some way or another by jazz and folk music. The sumptuous Ravel sonata conjures up the blues with some exotic harmony. Ravel’s sonata directly inspired Bartok’s trio, which was written for jazz clarinettist Benny Goodman and revels in quasi-folk melodies and Hungarian dances. The Armenian folk melodies in Khachaturian’s trio evoke the mysticism and romance of Arabia, while Stravinsky steals the show with a gritty ragtime romp with a wild finale.
Ravel – Violin sonata no. 2 in G major
Bartok – Suite for clarinet, violin and piano “Contrasts”, Sz.111
Khachaturian – Trio for clarinet, violin and piano in G minor
Stravinsky – The Soldier’s Tale suite (trio version)
Alternative:
Brahms – Sonata for Clarinet & Piano No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2
Khachaturian – Trio for clarinet, violin and piano in G minor
Ravel – Violin sonata no. 2 in G major
Bartok – Suite for clarinet, violin and piano “Contrasts”, Sz.111
Alternative:
Brahms – Sonata for Clarinet & Piano No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 120/2
Mozart – Trio for clarinet, viola & piano in E flat major “Kegelstatt”, K. 498
Ravel – Violin sonata no. 2 in G major
Bartok – Suite for clarinet, violin and piano “Contrasts”, Sz.111
Total time: 75–80 minutes, 3 players (all alternatives)