London born composer
Benjamin Frankel began studying and composing both jazz and classical music at an early age, and is perhaps best known for his symphonic cycle; however, Frankel also composed a considerable amount of chamber music, and this disc contains perhaps some of Frankel's best and most intimate work in this genre. Composed between 1940 and 1964, the pieces on this recording reveal the essence of Frankel's style: an unwavering concern for gentle, lyrical melodies, and a rhythmic vivacity. In fact, though Frankel owes much to Schoenberg--from whose atonal and serial techniques he borrowed--there is also clearly the influence of Berg in romantic, legato lines.
The Quintet for clarinet & strings, composed just before Frankel's serial period, is full of energy and spirit. The Trio for Clarinet, Violoncello and Piano, Op. 10, is an early work, dating from 1940 and also features tranquil melodies and light, quick rhythmic figures. It is obvious in the Bagatelles for Eleven Instruments, Op. 35, Frankel's first fully serial work, that Frankel is commanded by the dictates of melody: the Bagatelles are pervasively beautiful and musical, as the demands of serial technique never overshadow the lyrical line. Paul Dean is excellent throughout this recording, which could have become too much of a good thing in the hands of a lesser clarinettist. His playing is consistently focused and fleet, and he treats Frankel's lush melodies with sensitivity and taste. The final piece on the disc, Early Morning Music, though it sounds somewhat hastily composed in spots, is nonetheless performed on this recording with lighthearted humor. It is a fine, clear recording, so clear in fact as to be quite noisy (note the loud slapping of the clarinet keys).