There are clarinettists and then there is Michael Collins – an artist for whom critics struggle to find the words. “Irresistible exuberance” is one description of his playing; “effortless eloquence” is another. But for Collins himself, “It comes down to this: just go out and enjoy yourself!” That’s certainly what he’ll be doing today, when he teams up with an all-star quartet of string-playing friends for two of the loveliest and most lyrical of all chamber works, Mozart’s and Brahms’s Clarinet Quintets – plus an irresistibly bubbly showpiece by Weber. But whether a masterpiece sparkles or sings, no-one plays it quite like Michael Collins.
Programme
Weber – Introduction, Theme and Variations
Mozart – Clarinet Quintet
Brahms – Clarinet Quintet
Performers
Michael Collins Clarinet
Alexander Sitkovetsky Violin
Annabelle Meare Violin
Judith Busbridge Viola
Steffan Morris Cello