Shtrykov–Tanaka Duo | BRAHMS: Sonata in E♭ Major, Op. 120, No. 2

Johannes Brahms (1833—1897): Sonata in E♭ Major for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 120, No. 2 00:00 I. Allegro amabile 08:24 II. Allegro appassionato 13:41 III. Andante con moto - Allegro Brahms composed the two Op. 120 sonatas in 1894 for clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, whose artistry inspired the composer’s remarkable late flowering of works for the instrument. The Second Sonata in E♭ major is the more lyrical and intimate of the pair, unfolding with warmth, conversational ease, and subtle shifts of color. Its final movement takes the form of a theme and variations, bringing the sonata to a poised and radiant conclusion. Shtrykov–Tanaka Duo Maksim Shtrykov, boxwood clarinets by Schwenk & Seggelke, Bamberg Misuzu Tanaka, piano by Joh. Baptist Streicher & Sohn, Vienna (1871) Praised by Classics Today as “clairvoyant collaborators” who “phrase and breathe as one,” the Shtrykov–Tanaka Duo has developed a distinctive voice in the clarinet-and-piano repertoire through programs combining major works, significant rediscoveries, and imaginative transcriptions. Their longstanding relationship with the Frederick Collection has allowed them to explore repertoire on historical pianos spanning different periods and national traditions. Their debut album, Epilogues, received international acclaim for its performances of the late clarinet sonatas of Brahms, Saint-Saëns, and Poulenc. --------------- Part of the concert “Soirée 1894 — German Romantic Clarinet Duos.” Full performance is available on the Music from the Frederick Collection channel:    • Frederick Collection | Shtrykov-Tanaka Duo...   -------------- Recorded live at: Music from the Frederick Collection — 39th Spring Season New Dawn Arts Center, Ashburnham, MA, USA Sunday, 27 April 2025 © 2026 Concertant Classics More from the Shtrykov–Tanaka Duo : https://www.shtrykovtanakaduo.com