Nicole Canham – Clarinet
Anthony Smith – Piano
MCD 288

Nicole Canham recently completed a year of studies in France with renowned
clarinettist and pedagogue, Philippe Cuper, which, has inspired the production of this debut recording. Nicole is a founding member of the clarinet quartet Clarity, and in more recent times as Director of the Canberra International Music Festival. This CD is comprisesd of works by French and Australian composers, every one having some association to Paris or with each other.
The disc opens with the delightful Sonata for clarinet and piano by Francis Poulenc. Canham captures the character immediately and produces an attractive, clear sound without harshness in the upper register. She displays a broad palette of tonal colours in the second movement with some dark melancholic playing before launching into the extroverted Allegro con fuoco.
Lesser known works such as Cahuzac’s Pastorale Cévenole and Stanhope’s Phospheris Variations were a welcome addition to this recording and demonstrates Canham’s homogeneity across the registers and flexibility of dynamic contrast. The disc finishes with the charming Tema con Variazioni by Françaix.
The CD production is of a high standard. This recording captures every nuance of
Nicole Canham’s artistry balanced by Anthony Smith’s wonderful style and sensitive accompaniment.
This highly enjoyable CD is recommended to anyone who wants to journey through the romantic and mysterious world of French-inspired music.
– Catherine Burton
AC&S 8-3 September 2005