This evening’s program features two “bookend” works originally composed for clarinet, bassoon, and piano (Hurlstone and Douglas) and two compositions written for clarinet, piano, and a string instrument (viola – Bruch; and cello – Muczynski).

While the Bruch and Muczynski trios certainly are masterworks in the repertoire in their original instrumentation, they also lend themselves quite nicely to the tonal characteristics of the bassoon and offer colorful depth to the literature for the clarinet – bassoon – piano ensemble. From one of the earliest works of an unschooled composer (Hurlstone) to the masterpieces of Bruch and Muczynski—concluding with the commissioned work of a seasoned 21st Century composer (Douglas)—we hope this performance showcases the richness of literature available for this unique instrumental combination.