The clarinet holds a very special place in Brahms’ career. Though he had decided in 1890 to retire, hearing Richard Mühlfeld playing gave Brahms the impetus to compose again, and he then wrote absolute chamber jewels featuring the clarinet. In particular his opus 120 can be considered the first major contribution to the clarinet sonata repertoire. They are here performed by British multi-award winner Michael Collins, accompanied by long-time partner on stage and on record Mikhail Pletnev, and are coupled with Weber’s Grand duo. © Warner Classics