Paul Juon

Two Pieces op. 25

Expression, polyrhythmic elements, from the Slavic folk song influenced topics and a distinct acoustic color affluence characterize the music of the Russian-Swiss composer Paul Juon (1872-1940). Whereas his compositions were often being played at the beginning of the 20th century, he fell wrongly into oblivion after the 2nd world war. But he is already being rediscovered by many musicians and concert promoters. This first edition of the appealing two pieces op. 25 for clarinet and piano wants to satisfy the growing interest. The composer dedicated this edition to a befriended skilled amateur-clarinetist. As a result its degree of difficulty lays just above average. Both pieces ars strongly contrasting: Sinnig is a three-part Andante in D minor, rather melancholic for clarinet in B flat, whereas Sonnig is a lively Allegro in A major for clarinet in A.