The Global Search for Education: Chloe Brill — Breathing New Life into Mozart’s Serenade №12

This month on Planet Classroom, the Bard College Conservatory of Music presents Mozart’s Serenade №12 in C minor, a striking departure from the composer’s earlier serenade style.

Now streaming on the Planet Classroom YouTube Channel, this emotionally rich and unorthodox work is brought vividly to life by Bard’s talented wind ensemble — including oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon — featuring standout artist Chloe Brill. Known for its compelling interpretations, Bard’s Conservatory once again honors Mozart’s creative daring, offering a nuanced performance that bridges legacy with innovation.

Curated by the Bard College Conservatory of Music, this film is a must-watch for classical music lovers and newcomers alike, showcasing how a new generation of musicians is reimagining the canon through powerful and collaborative artistry.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Chloe Brill.

Chloe, what aspects of Serenade №12 were most important in preparing for this performance?

The most important elements for us were balance and articulation style. We chose to use longer articulations overall, but that choice came with challenges — particularly in a remote ensemble setting where individual interpretations of note lengths could differ. Balancing the voices without hearing each other live was another hurdle, but we worked hard to find cohesion despite the distance.

How did performing with this particular ensemble shape the overall sound of the piece?

This ensemble came together during COVID, which meant all artistic decisions were made ahead of time, and we played to a click track. That limited our ability to interact in real time, which inevitably shaped the overall sound. We had to trust our preparation, lean on intuition, and adapt creatively to those constraints.

Why do you think your professor selected Serenade №12 for this particular performance?

I believe the choice was guided by our specific instrumentation needs. The piece fits beautifully with our ensemble’s configuration and also offered a rich opportunity to explore Mozart’s more unconventional side.

What message or emotion do you hope audiences take away from the performance?

I hope the audience can follow the emotional arc of the piece. Serenade №12 has a beautifully expressive shape, full of tension and release. I hope our performance captures that journey — the intensity, the direction, and the dynamic range that make this work so memorable.

Thank you, Chloe!

C. M. Rubin with Chloe Brill

Don’t miss Mozart’s Serenade №12 in C minor, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. This performance is curated by Bard College Conservatory of Music.