Arthur Somervell
(1863-1937)
Clarinet Quintet in G Major (1913)
Gordon Jacob
(1895-1984)
Clarinet Quintet in G Minor (1942)
Thea King, clarinet
The Aeolian Quartet
Hyperion Helios CDH55110 57:44
Somervell is remembered most for his choral works and song cycles but there are recordings of some other works, including a violin concerto. His Clarinet Quintet is a fairly genial work which shows most the influence of Brahms.
Jacob's quintet is in much the same realm as Vaughan Williams' more ethereal works such as the oboe concerto, although with some touches of gruff humor. The clarinet quintet is hardly a prolific species and these two examples are welcome additions.
