“I’ve reviewed a fair number of recordings with the clarinet as the headline instrument, but I can only remember one or two that are as satisfying in as many respects as this one, and none more so. Los Angeles Philharmonic veteran clarinetist David Howard has hit every conceivable sweet spot; his playing displays multiple interpretive and technical attributes, his colleagues are equally top-drawer, his program is fascinating and varied, and the recorded sound is the finest I have encountered for a solo clarinet.

“…audiophiles will appreciate its tonal accuracy and natural soundstage. The sound is warm and silky without compromising detail. Pick your justification—this is a must-have disc.” -- Fanfare

“…nothing else of Brahms—possibly excepting the Trio with French Horn—sends forth such immediate waves of deep, penetrating beauty. Midway in the slow movement David Howard’s solo clarinet unwound its slithering melodic line across the musical spectrum; the strings answered with passionate shivers, and their moonstruck conversation continues to echo in my skull days later. That’s Brahms.” —Alan Rich