Hyperion Records

Clarke’s first major success as a composer came during a recital at Carnegie Hall in New York in 1918 when she gave the first performance of Morpheus, which was immediately acclaimed by the critics. Women composers were almost unknown at this time, and those who were making their way were regarded with great suspicion. The manuscript of this piece was therefore signed with the pseudonym ‘Anthony Trent’. Morpheus, son of Hypnos, was the Greek god of dreams. Clarke’s music is entirely apt, with its almost French impressionism (she was deeply influenced by Debussy), its wistful and romantic aura and perfectly matched solo and accompaniment.

from notes by Paul Spicer © 1994