As a great-nephew of Rebecca Clarke’s and the owner of her rights, I am normally at least mildly allergic to arrangements and transcriptions of her works, but this one is absolutely terrific - exciting and musical in its own right, while honoring the sound-world of the original. It's also remarkable, and really quite valuable, for bringing out so strongly all the French elements in Clarke's vocabulary, especially in this period (the Sonata was composed and premiered in 1919). People often try to shoehorn Clarke into the "English Musical Renaissance," where her instrumental works mostly don't fit, but in this arrangement her conscious debt to Debussy is readily apparent, and her identification with the French-led cosmopolitan modernism of the early twentieth century comes strongly to the fore. Terrific performance, too! Congratulations to you both! For the most accurate, up-to-date information on Clarke’s life, career, and works, please see her official website, www.rebeccaclarkecomposer.com, and for further details, by all means get in touch via the “Contact” page. (Christopher Johnson, Brooklyn, New York, USA)
Dear Mr. Johnson, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message! It means so much to hear this from someone so closely connected with the music of this wonderful composer. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this piece and on Rebecca Clarke! I will reach out via the contact page. Thank you!
