"Garden of Sounds - Improvisations for Clarinet and Percussion" is a captivating album released by renowned clarinetist Richard Stoltzman in collaboration with the esteemed percussion ensemble, Nexus. Released on January 31, 2000, under the BIS label, this chamber music album spans a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, featuring 13 tracks of intricate and spontaneous performances.
Stoltzman's virtuosic clarinet playing is on full display, showcasing his ability to produce a vast array of sounds and maintain perfect intonation. The improvisations on this album are notably complex, often sounding as if they were meticulously composed rather than spontaneously created. The album's tracks, such as "Le Dialogue du bois," "Rhapsody in Green," and "Tibet to Be," offer a diverse range of musical landscapes, from serene and contemplative to dynamic and energetic.
This album is a testament to Stoltzman's mastery of the clarinet and his ability to push the boundaries of improvisation. The collaboration with Nexus adds a layer of depth and complexity to the music, making "Garden of Sounds" a standout in the world of chamber music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Stoltzman or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.