The Lily Of Killarney – Clarinet Fantasias From England And Ireland

Michael Balfe, arr. Le Thière, ed. Rogerson Fantasia on The Bohemian Girl;
Ernest Tomlinson Canzonetta; Thomas Dunhill Phantasy Suite, op. 91; Ruth Gipps Cool Running Water, op. 77; Joseph Holbrooke The Butterfly of the Ballet, op. 55, no. 6; Julius Benedict, arr. Rogerson Fantastia on The Lily of Killarney; Elizabeth Maconchy Fantasia; Thomas Pitfield Conversation Piece; Clarence Raybould The Wistful Shepherd (A Reverie); Howard Ferguson Four Short Pieces; Joseph Holbrooke Canzonetta (Spring Song), op. 55, no. 8; Vincent Wallace, arr. Le Thière, ed. Rogerson Fantasia on Maritana.

Robert Plane (clarinet)
Benjamin Frith (piano)

MPR118
https://www.mikepurtonrecording.com/

This attractive album is a delightful surprise, and not one just for clarinet enthusiasts—there is much to savour on this impeccably performed disc that will appeal to anyone who enjoys warmth, elegance and the distinctive voice of the clarinet.

Performing and recording British music has been a particular passion of clarinetist Robert Plane over his thirty-year career. Now, together with long-term duo partner Benjamin Frith, he turns his attention to the fantasia in this engaging Anglo-Irish programme. Three works based on the 'Irish Ring' operas of Balfe, Benedict and Wallace—hugely popular in the nineteenth century—provide the framework for the album, alongside Elizabeth Maconchy's melodic Fantasia with its interesting harmonies, and Thomas Dunhill's Phantasy Suite. The rest of the programme is built from delightful character pieces, often of a fantastical nature, drawn from the lighter end of the British repertoire.

Plane has unearthed some real treasures here, including charming miniatures by Ernest Tomlinson and Thomas Pitfield. The Maconchy Fantasia is performed with keen attention to the character of the piece, whilst Howard Ferguson's Four Short Pieces provide a superb, virtuosic close to a brilliant programme in which the duo craft his melodic lines with assurance.

The dialogue between Plane and Frith is quite captivating—their phrasing and tone drawing the listener into each piece with enchanting ease. The empathy between them is evident, and everything is worth hearing. As Plane notes in an excellent essay for the Clarinet & Saxophone Magazine, "The three 'Irish Ring' fantasies represent a delightful expansion of the repertoire—pieces that stand as compelling alternatives to the beloved Italian works audiences already know."

Recorded in January at the Royal Northern College of Music's Carole Nash Recital Room, the sound quality is exemplary—the recording engineers have done a superb job capturing the warmth and intimacy of these performances. The accompanying booklet is also well presented with interesting notes.

A most rewarding disc.