brahms clarinet quintet

Today I went to a lunchtime chamber music concert of members of the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne playing Brahms' clarinet quintet.

It was wonderful. This was an approach to Brahms that is different from what I often hear in the U.S. Not all loud, thick, and rich with constant vibrato, but buoyant, transparent, warm, full of color.

The cellist had an amazing role in this performance: by daring to play softly he brought everyone else with him, creating at times the most amazing suspended moments, like in the exposition of the first movement.

I've noticed, also in lessons with my teacher Gilad Karni on the opus 120 sonata in e flat major that timing and color and line are as integral part of the music as having a rich sound. It brings into this music a sort of intimacy, vulnerability that is new for me.