Victoria Samek (clarinet)

Victoria Samek, founder and artistic director of Clarinet & Saxophone Classics, performs a dazzling programme of world premiere recordings for E flat, B flat and bass clarinet. As a performer with a lifelong commitment to commissioning new solo, chamber and concertos for clarinet, Orfeo Calms the Furies encapsulates the very essence of Victoria’s commitment to her instruments and whose musical excellence and technical brilliance has inspired composers to write for the clarinet. Orfeo IV (originally written for fl ute and tape) was newly transcribed for E fl at clarinet and is the culmination of Victoria’s relationship with Thea Musgrave spanning nearly 50 years. Following many commissions and dedications, Orfeo IV is now realised in this stunning new setting with a newly developed immersive clarinet digital setting. Alongside Thea Musgrave are distinguished composers Rob Keeley and Graham Williams, whose atmospheric and beautifully crafted compositions for clarinet will leave audiences captivated, as will solo Sonatinas for E fl at, B flat and bass clarinet by player and composer Paul Harris, whose reputation as educator and writer is highly esteemed and respected internationally. Works by Benjamin Fingerhut, Richard Ralph and George Shrapnell are included, with Rob Howat’s New Cross Counterpoint for nine layered clarinets completing the album. Orfeo Calms the Furies will prove to be more than a niche curiosity: this album provides a rich musical experience for the listener. Orfeo Calms the Furies, the fi rst of a beautifully crafted two-album set recorded by Victoria Samek, exemplifi es Clarinet & Saxophone Classics as the label dedicated to celebrating the wondrous diversity of the single reed.