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The clarinet is an incredibly versatile instrument, creating a range of sounds from soft and mellow to bright and vibrant, and everything in between. Andreas Ottensamer, who comes from a family of renowned clarinetists, explores the lyrical side of the instrument on Romanza. This beautiful collection of contemplative music emphasizes the songful qualities of the clarinet, with several arrangements based on vocal works.

Lisa FlynnHost

Andreas Ottensamer, who recently announced he will step down as principal clarinet of the Berlin Philharmonic to focus on conducting, presents his latest album with pianist José Gallardo. Romanza features select movements from clarinet sonatas by Brahms, Poulenc, Saint-Saëns, Rota, and Joseph Horovitz. The album also includes Ottensamer’s own transcriptions of beloved classical melodies such as Satie’s Gymnopédie No. 1, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, and Debussy’s La fille aux cheveux de lin. With Romanza, Ottensamer explores themes of love, longing, and introspection, while showcasing his technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

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