Masterpieces of the 20th century:
Igor Stravinksy:
Three pieces for clarinet solo (1919)

Edison Denissov:
Sonata for clarinet solo (1972)

Luciano Berio:
Sequenza IX a for clarinet (1980)

Yevhen Stankovych:
Concerto for clarinet solo « Game Above an Abyss » (1996)

Stephan Marc Schneider:
Inschrift for clarinet solo (1999)

Evgeni Orkin:
Jüdische Suite for clarinet solo op. 10 (2000)

The clarinet has held a special appeal for composers since its invention. As early as the late 18th

century, many were fascinated with its incisive, unmistakable sound – particularly Wolfgang

Amadeus Mozart, who was inspired to compose several celebrated works for the instrument. Its

expressive timbre naturally made it a favorite among Romantic composers. The clarinet also

played a key role in the development of modernism; beginning with Gustav Mahler, the instrument

increasingly moved into the spotlight as an indispensable color in orchestral compositions – not

only for melodious sounds, however, but also for shrill effects.

During the 20th century, compositions for mixed ensembles contrasting disparate timbres became

increasingly important; the clarinet was a mainstay of these ensembles from the beginning.

Eventually, more and more works were composed for solo clarinet. Evgeni Orkin has chosen

several of the most fascinating. With works by Stravinsky, Denissov, Berio, Stankovych, and

Schneider, composed between 1919 and 1999, he displays a stylistic panorama of this special

facet of modernism, supplemented by his own composition Jüdische Suite, dating from 2000.