Mark van de Wiel’s album pairs contemporary and historical clarinet quintets in performances praised for their drama, imagination and warm sound. The review highlights his expressive playing and the Philharmonia soloists’ collaborative contribution, presenting the recording as a compelling showcase for both virtuosity and ensemble sensitivity.

The programme opens with Anna Clyne’s lockdown-composed Strange Loops, whose klezmer-influenced repeating patterns are described as buoyant yet bittersweet. It contrasts sharply with Ruth Gipps’ 1942 Rhapsody in E-flat, played with dark-toned beauty and determination, before concluding with Weber’s Clarinet Quintet in a colourful, flexible and generously shared performance. Van de Wiel was the Philharmonia’s principal clarinet from 2000 to 2025 and previously gave the UK premiere of Clyne’s work.