31 Days of Classical, Day 9: Crushing on the Clarinet

Each day throughout July, I'll share with you a piece of classical music. Thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces.

The list is by no means definitive, nor is it necessarily a list of all of my favorite music from the classical world. Every morning, I start my day with music that inspires me in some way, whether I'm inspired by its happiness, its loneliness, the instrumentation, the harmony, the colors, the melody — each piece is special in some way — and offers an opportunity to either hear something you've never heard, or hear something new in a piece you've known your whole life.

Day 9: Carl Nielsen, Wind Quintet

I have a crush on clarinet. How I managed to get through music school without switching to clarinet is beyond me. Is it fair to say there are more beautiful sounds in the world, but none sweeter? I think so.

Check out the amazing clarinet stuff Nielsen writes in his Wind Quintet (I've linked you to the 2nd movement). Nielsen was Denmark's greatest composer, and this is a fabulous example of why.

Take the 31 Days of Classical Challenge

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of the wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Join the fun by subscribing to the 31 Days of Classical newsletter, or use #31DaysofClassical on Twitter or Facebook.

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