True Romantics

In True Romantics, two of Australia’s most accomplished musicians, clarinettist Philip Arkinstall and pianist Kristian Chong, bring new light and lyrical warmth to Brahms’s Clarinet Sonatas, Op.120, and Clara Schumann’s Three Romances, Op.22 (here transcribed for clarinet by Roger Young).

This album explores the late flowering of two intertwined musical souls: Johannes Brahms,
whose inspiration was rekindled by the playing of clarinettist Richard Mühlfeld, and Clara
Schumann, whose influence and artistry shaped Brahms’s creative life. This recording is
steeped in tenderness, nostalgia and expressive intimacy — music where, in the words of
Brahms’s friend Eusebius Mandyczewski, “it is as though the instruments were in love with each
other.”

Recorded with clarity and warmth, True Romantics reveals the natural partnership between
Arkinstall and Chong, two of Australia’s leading interpreters of Romantic chamber repertoire.
Together they capture both the intensity and inward grace of these works, highlighting the
lyrical introspection and passionate dialogue between clarinet and piano.

Artists

Philip Arkinstall

Philip Arkinstall has appeared as soloist with the Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, West Australian and Tasmanian, Corpus Medicorum and Zelman symphony orchestras and also with the Malaysian and Royal Melbourne philharmonics in repertoire ranging from Mozart to Heinze.

Kristian Chong

Leading Australian pianist Kristian Chong has performed frequently as soloist, chamber musician and recitalist throughout Australia and the UK, and in China, France, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, and Zimbabwe.


Track Listing

    Romances Op. 22 Clara Schumann Arr: (Roger Young)

  1. I. Andante molto
  2. II. Allegretto
  3. III. Leiden schaftlich schnell

    4. Sonata Op.120, No.1 in F minor Johannes Brahms

  4. I. Allegro appassionato
  5. II. Andante un poco adagio
  6. III. Allegretto grazioso
  7. IV. Vivace

    8. Sonata Op.120, No.2 in E flat Johannes Brahms

  8. I. Allegro amabile
  9. II. Allegro appasionata
  10. III. Andante con mot

Performers

Composer

Johannes Brahms

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist, and one of the leading musicians of the Romantic period. In his lifetime, Brahms' popularity and influence were considerable; he is sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the Three Bs.


Where to buy

True Romantics is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.

Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.

Product details

List price
$25.00 AUD
Release date
October 2025
Copyright
© 2025 Philip Askinstall and Kristian Chong
Phonogram
℗ 2025 Move Records
Category
Classical
Catalogue number
MCD 668
Alternate catalogue number
MCD668
Barcode
EAN 8721416410185