Blue Hour – Weber, Brahms, Mendelssohn

Andreas Ottensamer's captivating album, Blue Hour – Weber, Brahms, Mendelssohn, is a masterful exploration of chamber music and classical genres. Released on 8 March 2019 under the esteemed label Deutsche Grammophon, this 1 hour and 1 minute musical journey showcases Ottensamer's exceptional skill as a clarinettist.

The album features a thoughtfully curated selection of works, including arrangements of pieces by Weber, Brahms, and Mendelssohn. Ottensamer's own arrangements of Lieder ohne Worte, a collection of Mendelssohn's famous songs without words, demonstrate his deep understanding of the composer's intent and his ability to reimagine these beloved works for clarinet and piano.

The tracklist is a testament to Ottensamer's versatility, ranging from the elegant Intermezzo in A Major to the lively Rondo from Weber's Clarinet Concerto No. 1. The Grand duo concertant, Op. 48, is another highlight, with its soaring melodies and technical brilliance. Throughout the album, Ottensamer's expressive playing is perfectly complemented by the sensitive accompaniment of his pianist, creating a sense of intimate dialogue and emotional depth.

With Blue Hour, Andreas Ottensamer invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world of beauty and refinement, where the boundaries between classical and chamber music are effortlessly blurred. This exquisite album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and a testament to Ottensamer's status as one of the leading clarinettists of his generation.