Timothy Bonenfant - Virko Baley: Multiple Personae — The Family of Clarinets, Timothy Bonenfant, Clarinets (LP)

"Multiple Personae — The Family of Clarinets" is a captivating exploration of the clarinet's versatility, showcasing the extraordinary talent of Timothy Bonenfant. Released on TNC Recordings in December 2014, this album presents a collection of works composed by Virko Baley, a Ukrainian-American composer known for his innovative and expressive compositions. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.

Timothy Bonenfant, a strong advocate of new music, delivers a masterful performance on various members of the clarinet family, including the B-flat clarinet, A clarinet, E-flat clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet, and even the rare C clarinet. The album features a range of pieces, from the intricate "Partita No. 4 for Clarinets and Piano" to the hauntingly beautiful "Treny-Laments" and the expressive "Orpheus Singing."

Each track highlights Bonenfant's technical prowess and musical sensitivity, as he navigates the unique timbres and ranges of each clarinet. The album is a testament to Bonenfant's dedication to contemporary music and his ability to bring out the emotional depth and technical complexity of Baley's compositions.

"Multiple Personae — The Family of Clarinets" is not just an album but a journey through the vast sonic landscape of the clarinet, offering listeners a chance to appreciate the instrument's remarkable versatility and the composer's imaginative use of its various forms. Whether you're a clarinet enthusiast or simply a lover of innovative music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.