“My Place” CD rave review

My Place. Crux Duo: Lloyd Van’t Hoff, clarinet; Lisa Moore, piano and voice. H. Steinke: Rituals; N. Russoniello/arr. L. Van’t Hoff: Dawn Searching; A. Cawrse: Since I Lost You; My Prime of Youth; E. Griswold: Danny Boy adrift in the rising tide for vocalizing pianist; E. Kats-Chernin: Russian Rag; M. Bresnick: Mayn Rue Plats (My Resting Place); L. Bernstein: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano. ABC Classic, ABCL0098. Total Time: 65:22.

My Place celebrates a blend of Australian and American music, featuring six world-premiere recordings. This album makes a significant contribution to the clarinet repertoire by presenting high-quality works that are both artistically rich and accessible to performers at a variety of levels. The interpretations by Van’t Hoff and Moore bring the music vividly to life, enriching the canon and inspiring musicians with their nuanced and expressive performances.

Rituals (2023) by Harriet Steinke is a five-movement work rooted in minimalism, full of evocative melodies and textures. Van’t Hoff and Moore handle these elements with great sensitivity and expressivity. Particularly noteworthy is the third movement, “Canons,” which is performed with sonic clarity and a refined sense of ensemble—an impressive testament to the Crux Duo’s artistry. The piece’s moderate technical demands make it approachable for clarinetists and pianists alike.

Nick Russoniello’s Dawn Searching (2014), originally for soprano saxophone and arranged for clarinet by Van’t Hoff, is a solo work inspired by birdsong. Though the piece evokes a peaceful, natural scene, this effect is only possible due to Van’t Hoff’s technical control and lyrical phrasing. He navigates the challenging passages with elegance, seamlessly integrating them into the larger musical landscape.

Anne Cawrse’s Since I Lost You and My Prime of Youth (2009), originally composed for soprano and piano, are beautifully lyrical works. The arrangements for clarinet and piano maintain the vocal expressiveness of the originals. Van’t Hoff and Moore’s interpretation honors the intent of the original songs while adding new musical depth that transcends instrumentation.

Elena Kats-Chernin’s Russian Rag (1996), arranged for the Crux Duo in 2023 by the composer herself, is stylistically reminiscent of early 20th-century Russian piano music. This lively and familiar piece, known in Australia as the theme for the ABC radio program Late Night Live, translates effectively to the clarinet and piano setting and is performed with charm and rhythmic flair.

Martin Bresnick’s Mayn Rue Plats (My Resting Place) (2020) draws on the poetry of Morris Rosenfeld, which captures the hardships of industrial laborers and their yearning for peace, love, and freedom. The clarinet line—marked by sweeping phrases and wandering, cadenza-like gestures—expresses this sense of longing with haunting poignancy. This track stands out as a highlight of the album and is a must-hear for any connoisseur of clarinet music.

The final track, Leonard Bernstein’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (1942) is a staple of the clarinet repertoire. Van’t Hoff and Moore bring a fresh interpretation to this classic, capturing the composer’s youthful energy and vibrant rhythm. Their performance is marked by exceptional balance and playful, well-synchronized interplay. The second movement demonstrates rhythmic assurance and allows the melodic material to soar effortlessly above the shifting meters. This recording is highly recommended for students and professionals alike seeking a compelling and insightful interpretation of this beloved standard.

– Spencer Prewitt