The clarinet sonatas, Op. 120 Nos. 1 and 2 by Johannes Brahms were written in 1891 for the clarinet player Richard Mühlfeld , after Brahms had been captivated by Mühlfeld's spirited interpretations. It is said that Mühlfeld inspired Brahms to pick up composition again, and Brahms came to write a clarinet trio and quintet for Mühlfeld, in addition to the two sonatas. Brahms also published versions of these sonatas arranged for viola and violin.
The Sonata Op. 120 No.1, in F minor, consists of the following movements.
- Allegro appassionato
- Andante un poco adagio
- Allegretto grazioso
- Vivace
The Sonata Op. 120 No.2, in E-flat major is in three movements.
- Allegro amabile
- Allegro appassionato
- Andante con moto
