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Mitchell Lurie, former principal clarinet with the Pittsburgh and Chicago Symphonies under Fritz Reiner, taught at the University of Southern California for 50 years, and is possibly the best-known clarinetist in the world Richard Lesser, one of Lurie’s prize students, was principal clarinet with the Israel Philharmonic for 35 years. This is the premiere recording of Daniel Kesner’s Dances. Jordan Charnofsky has performed guitar with the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, in the World Festival of Sacred Music, numerous times at the Academy Awards celebrations, and for TV and film.

When I was a young oboist in Los Angeles, the name Mitchell Lurie was already legendary. He was the most prominent studio clarinetist of the time and was the teacher of many of the better young clarinet players. I knew him from several orchestras in which I played when he was soloist. After I started Crystal Records, I presented to Mitchell the idea of recording the two Brahms Clarinet Sonatas. He had been performing the works around the country with his wife, Leona, and was pleased to have the opportunity to record them. The original Lp became a classic that most clarinetists (and many other music lovers) had to have and it sold out quickly. After going through a few pressings, it changed from LP to CD. This CD is a beautiful partnership of long standing with his wife, Leona Lurie. She is a musician of equal stature in these performances, playing with real power and clarity which matches his clarinet playing.Their Music making, if he could have heard it, would have brought a smile to Brahms’ face.”

The music is immediately likeable and would be a welcome addition to a recital programme.” Australian Clarinet and Saxophone,Summer 2009-2010

Besides Mitchell Lurie on clarinet and Leona Lurie on piano, this recording also features Richard Lesser on clarinet and Jordan Charnofsky on guitar.