The internationally acclaimed clarinettist Andreas Ottensamer (principal clarinettist with the Berliner Philharmoniker) presents the new series The clarinet collection, adding variety to the clarinettist's repertoire.

The first volume contains a selection of five songs by Gustav Mahler. The composer's rich song output includes his Wunderhorn songs, the Songs of a Wayfarer, the Rückert songs, the Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Death of Children) as well as movements from his symphonies and The Song of the Earth. This book includes a selection of pieces that best suit the sound of the clarinet while providing plenty of variety. (Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen, Lob des hohen Verstandes, Verlorne Müh, Rheinlegendchen, and Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen). The arrangements transform Mahler's songs from their original conception for voice and piano or orchestral accompaniment into a purely instrumental dialogue between two equally important instrumentalists. In most cases the colourful orchestral versions provide the starting point. The omission of the text also demands different compositional techniques to bring out the various effects between indulgent sweetness and grotesque irony.

'For me as a clarinettist it is always exciting - in addition to performing existing original works - to be on the lookout for new inspiration and new musical material for my instrument. The clarinet is one of the most flexible wind instruments and thus provides the chance to explore and renew a diverse repertoire. We can now present Gustav Mahler's wonderfully original music in a new light and include the clarinet in this creative process. Mahler led the way in his symphonies and orchestral works, now it is time for us to chart new territory.'
(Andreas Ottensamer)

> An enrichment of the clarinettist's repertoire
> The ideal opportunity to present your own skills
> The first volume in the new series The clarinet collection