Robert Schumann's three piano pieces for clarinet and piano were written over two days in 1849. Schumann originally called them 'night pieces' and this title certainly reflects their dark and sometimes turbulent nature. As with many of Schumann's instrumental works, the melodies and lyricism the pieces contain justify the pieces being described as 'songs without words'. 

Johannes Brahms often composed works in pairs and after declaring that he'd 'given up composition' was inspired to write the Op.120 sonatas in 1894 for the clarinettist Richard Muhlfeld. The Sonata in E flat is Brahms' final chamber work and perhaps the composer knew that this would be his farewell to the idiom. The piano and clarinet are given equal opportunities to show off, especially in the first and final movements. But there are subtle, almost autumnal themes of tranquillity which flow throughout the movements demonstrating the amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail of Brahms' works.

Gerald Finzi's ever popular Bagatelles for Clarinet and Piano encapsulates the romanticism of the English landscape - the very same romance Elgar and Vaughan-Williams relied upon, in five short pieces. By the time Finzi wrote the Bagatelles his style was considered old-fashioned but today these pieces are considered miniature gems which have even been adapted for orchestra.

Aga Serugo-Lugo & Ashley Valentine studied music together at the University of York. In their final year they both performed concertos with the university orchestra, Ashley performing Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 and Aga performing Copland's Clarinet Concerto. They have performed classical repertoire at many prestigious functions throughout the country. They also play in various jazz bands and have performed at political party conferences and on BBC TV.