34th Annual Student Research Conference
The Friendship and Musical Collaborations of Johannes Brahms and Richard Mühlfeld
Emma C. Scherrer
Dr. Jesse D. Krebs, Faculty Mentor
Richard Mühlfeld (1856-1907) was one of the most prominent clarinetists of his time, amassing critical acclaim and frequently touring around Europe. He is perhaps most well-known today for being a major figure in the later career of Johannes Brahms; it was Mühlfeld’s playing that inspired Brahms to end his year-long retirement and write four seminal works for the clarinet. Interestingly, this relationship was not unique in the development of clarinet solo works, as composers throughout history from Wolfgang Mozart to Aaron Copland were inspired by and collaborated with great clarinetists of their eras. This presentation will examine the friendship between Brahms and Mühlfeld and how they influenced each others’ careers. In addition, it will show how this relationship was part of a centuries-long pattern in the development of clarinet solo works.
Keywords: Brahms, Johannes Brahms, Mühlfeld, Richard Mühlfeld, clarinet, sonata, clarinetist
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Asynchronous Virtual Oral Presentation
Session: 15-2
Location: https://flipgrid.com/899114aa
Time: 0:00