Richard Mühlfeld

Richard Bernhard Herrmann Mühlfeld[1] (February 28, 1856 – June 1, 1907) was a German clarinettist who inspired Johannes Brahms and Gustav Jenner to write chamber works including the instrument.

1 in F Minor, Mozart's Clarinet Quintet and some of Ludwig Spohr's works, his sound quality and musicianship inspired Brahms to start composing again.

Brahms later wrote letters to his old friend Clara Schumann about the skill level he saw in this clarinettist's playing.

In appreciation of Mühlfeld's relationship to him, Brahms gave him a set of fine silver teaspoons with a monogram.

Both Sonatas were performed for the Meiningen Circle at the Palace of Berchtesgaden in the summer of 1894, with Johannes Brahms playing piano.