The Red Door
Albany, 2021
8/10
The clarinet wizard Jeremy Reynolds brings us the complete works of David Maslanka for clarinet, where he takes help from Heidi Brende Leathwood on piano, Yumi Hwang-Wiliams on violin and Basil Vendryes handing viola on the 2 disc effort that’s been in the making since 2008.
“Three Pieces For Clarinet And Piano” starts the listen with 3 movements that display playful, unpredictable and even cinematic moments that can be sparse with just light keys, as well as busy, even jarring, with squealing clarinet and firm playing from Leathwood.
The middle portion of disc 1 brings the tense “Fourth Piece For Clarinet And Piano”, as well as the bare and sublime “Little Symphony For Solo Clarinet”, both of which display Reynolds’ vast clarinet skills. “Eternal Garden For Clarinet And Piano” exits the first half of the listen, and quickly builds from a calm introduction into a firm, ebullient execution of precise yet intense musicianship.
Disc 2 leads with “Trio No. 1 For Clarinet, Violin And Piano”, where Hwang-Williams’ strings add much to the diverse climate, and “Images From ‘The Old Gringo’ For Clarinet, Violin And Piano” finishes off the listen with a frisky and fascinating interaction between the 3 players.
Though the musicians had the benefit of Maslanka collaborating with them up until 2017, he then passed away, and this very articulate and meticulous recording, which collects some pieces being heard for the first time, pays homage to his spirit with much care and talent.
Travels well with: Doug Bielmeier- Ambient Works; Dave Walther- Distance