Spirited excellence

The program for this first-rate CD attempts the impossible:  capturing the “American Spirit” in 19 tracks.  Wisely, the bookends come from Bernstein and Copland whose music, life and legacy have successfully distilled many non-American influences and then found distinctive voices of their own.  Of the four other composers, Peter Schickele is likely the best known, but more for his musical parodies (which only work because of his thorough understanding of the art—cross references below) than his “serious” side.  Yet isn’t that so American?  Crass commercialism trumps insight and intimacy?  But the real spirit is in the practitioners.  Clarinettist Sean Osborn goes far beyond demonstrating his complete control of the most versatile woodwind.  Whether intoning a multiphonic train whistle (“…Illinois Central”) or rendering a spectacular low register “ring” (Martino’s Adagio) the thoughtful musician always lets the music lead, using his instrument as the means, not the end.  The slight fuzz of the throat tones, occasional finger “slaps” and supple reed that threatens to close off the super register are insignificant quibbles that only those who prefer sound over substance would natter about.  Savour the fun and joy (Bernstein “Vivace e leggiero”), the teasing—never mocking—lines in the last movement of the Copland Sonata, or Gary Shocker’s Sonata II for Clarinet and Piano with its easy-going stroll down a country lane, ever-amiable “Souvenir,” then topped off by the lilting triple metre—all  artfully culled from the score.  But, of course, this varied trek across musical America is not made alone.  Pianist Blair McMillen is the perfect partner, providing discreet, direct support where required, seamless transitions that let the music evolve not just change, and varieties of tone texture and touch that add a bounty of colour that might not have been imagined even by the composers.  Here’s a disc for everyone, not just clarinettists and their admirerers.

Tracks: Leonard Bernstein, composer Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Sean Osborn, clarinet, Blair McMillen, piano Peter Schickele, composer Elegies for Clarinet and Piano Sean Osborn, clarinet, Blair McMillen, piano Donald Martino, composer A Set for Clarinet Sean Osborn, clarinet

Gary Schocker, composer Sonata II for Clarinet & Piano Sean Osborn, clarinet, Blair McMillen, piano Eric Mandat, composer Preludes-Book I Sean Osborn, clarinet Aaron Copland, composer Sonata for Clarinet and Piano Sean Osborn, clarinet, Blair McMillen, piano

This CD is available through: Albany Records

Cross-references: Bryan A. Crumpler, Clarinets; Canadian Brass at Brock University, November 28, 2002