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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.


Press quote

“The inspired coupling of music by Clara Schumann and Brahms highlights two great composers writing music at different points in their lives. Clara was only 34 and full of youthful energy whilst Brahms was near the end of his life. They knew each other well and indeed much has been speculated about Brahms unrequited love for Clara. To hear these works on the same CD adds an extra layer of meaning to their music and friendship. The Schumann work is a fine arrangement by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra violinist Roger Young of the Op.22 Violin Romances. So skilfully does this reworking sound it is hard to believe that this is not an original scoring and at the hands of these performers, Philip Arkinstall, clarinet, and pianist Kristian Chong the music sings its way into your heart. Listening to the opening mvts of the 1st Sonata it is as if we are looking on a conversation undertaken between two close friends such is the intimacy of the music. Arkinstall and Chong relish this music of introspection and exquisite beauty. The Allegretto grazioso and the Vivace fly along provoking smiles of delight. Australia is most fortunate to have some superb world-class clarinettists and foremost amongst this elite group is Philip Arkinstall and his collaboration with Kristian Chong is impeccable. This is a CD that bears repeated listening.”

Read full review

— Alan Holley, ClassikON

Audio previews

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