Outstanding soloist: clarinet

Clarinettist Shirley Brill, praised for her expressive playing and technical perfection, presents three absolute masterpieces for clarinet. Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for clarinet and piano highlights the full emotional spectrum of the clarinet through its beautiful melodies and stunning virtuoso sections. The spirited Romanian Folk Dances by Béla Bartók provides a vibrant contrast with its varied rhythms and styles. In Johannes Brahms’ First Clarinet Sonata, a gem in the clarinet repertoire, the clarinet’s warm timbre and expressive possibilities are masterfully utilized.