Charles Duvernoy (1763-1845) was born in Montbéliard, France. He started to study clarinet in Strasbourg meanwhile playing in a military band. In 1790 he moved to Paris where he improved his playing, while joining, as did his brother hornist Frédéric-Nicolas, the National Guard Band. Later he became principal clarinet in the orchestra of the De Monsieur Theatre as well as at the Feydeau Theatre of Saint-Germain, where he kept this position until 1824. He was also a professor of the Conservatory of Paris between 1800-1802 and 1808-1816. Duvernoy wrote mainly for his own instrument, the clarinet, which was becoming increasingly popular, gaining a strong position in the orchestra and chamber music. This new recording presents a Clarinet Quartet and several variation cycles. As a bonus we hear a Clarinet Trio by his brother Frédéric-Nicolas. The music is highly enjoyable, melodious and brilliantly written for the instruments. Charles Duvernoy is not to be confused with Jean Baptiste Duvernoy (1802-1880), French composer and pianist of the romantic period, who wrote plenty of studies and didactical works for piano. Played by The Italian Consort and Luigi Magistrelli, one of the foremost clarinet players of Italy. He made many recordings for Brilliant Classics with works by C.P.E. Bach (95307), Giuliani (95541), Kummer (94472), Archduke Rudolph (94952), Rebay (94171) and Fuchs (96305). ‘Luigi Magistrelli is a skilled artist, with the fingers and the enthusiasm for Weber.’ Gramophone.