The cultural history of the clarinet is closely associated
with 19th century French musical tradition. The
school of clarinet playing at the Paris Conservatory
and its lively exchange with French instrument
builders led to a specific style that was continually
developed by contemporary composers. Debussy was
the lode star; his retinue contained such composers
as Florent Schmitt, born in 1870. But it was first the
Group of Six, which included Honegger, Milhaud
and Poulenc, that turned away from Impressionism
and lead French music into the modern age with
geometric forms, rhythmic pithiness and polytonally
organized harmonies. This exciting phase of music
history is heard in all its glory on this CD with Ralph
Manno and Alfredo Perl.