Alexander Goehr’s Seven Laments is a striking and flexible work for clarinet, inspired by a broad tradition of musical laments. Two of the movements were recorded by Ib Hausmann, to whom the piece is dedicated, and were performed at Goehr’s funeral. The work offers performers an unusual degree of freedom in shaping its character and colour. Its mix of clarity, openness, and expressive possibility offer performers ample space to shape the music in their own way.

Schott Music Ltd., London