Clarinet players are maestros of melody, enchanting audiences with their soulful and versatile performances. The clarinet’s warm, expressive tones evoke a range of emotions, from wistful melancholy to joyful exuberance. With its cylindrical body and distinctive single-reed mouthpiece, the clarinet offers a wide dynamic range and remarkable agility. Players master intricate fingerings and nuanced breath control to produce seamless legato lines and sparkling staccato passages. From classical symphonies to jazz improvisations, clarinetists infuse every note with passion and precision. Their artistry transports listeners to distant landscapes and inner realms, leaving a lasting impression of beauty and wonder.
1. Jimmy Hamilton
Jimmy Hamilton was a highly esteemed jazz clarinetist celebrated for his distinctive tone, expressive phrasing, and virtuosic improvisations. As a prominent member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra for over two decades, Hamilton’s contributions to the band’s sound were invaluable. His playing seamlessly blended elements of swing, blues, and bebop, adding depth and character to Ellington’s compositions. Hamilton’s lyrical approach to the clarinet captivated audiences and inspired fellow musicians. Beyond his work with Ellington, he recorded several albums as a bandleader, showcasing his talent and versatility. Hamilton’s legacy as a jazz clarinetist continues to influence and inspire performers in the genre.
2. Buddy DeFranco
Buddy DeFranco, a legendary figure in jazz history, was a virtuoso clarinetist known for his unparalleled technical mastery, smooth tone, and improvisational brilliance. Rising to prominence in the swing era, DeFranco’s agile fingers and expressive phrasing redefined the possibilities of the clarinet in jazz. His fluid lines and bebop-inspired improvisations earned him accolades as one of the greatest clarinet players of all time. DeFranco’s career spanned over seven decades, during which he collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Art Tatum, and Lionel Hampton. His influence on the clarinet’s role in jazz music remains profound, inspiring generations of musicians worldwide.
3. Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill is a prominent American clarinetist who has garnered acclaim for his virtuosic performances and rich, expressive tone. He is known for his versatility, performing a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary music with equal mastery.
McGill has held several prestigious positions, including principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. He is also a dedicated advocate for music education and community engagement, using his platform to promote access to music for all.
In 2020, Anthony McGill performed at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, where he played “Amazing Grace” as a tribute to those who lost their lives to COVID-19. His performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional impact, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation.
4. Richard Stoltzman
Richard Stoltzman is an acclaimed American clarinetist known for his exceptional musicianship and versatility. He is renowned for his performances of both classical and jazz repertoire, showcasing a unique and expressive style that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Stoltzman has collaborated with many leading orchestras and conductors, and he has also worked closely with contemporary composers, premiering numerous works written for him. His recordings have received critical acclaim, and he has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work.
In addition to his classical performances, Stoltzman is also known for his contributions to jazz clarinet, bringing a fresh approach and technical mastery to the genre. His ability to seamlessly transition between musical styles has made him a highly respected and influential figure in the world of clarinet performance.
5. Sabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer stands as one of the most distinguished clarinetists of her generation, renowned for her exquisite tone, impeccable technique, and profound musicality. Hailing from Germany, Meyer has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Her interpretations of the clarinet repertoire are marked by their depth of expression, nuanced phrasing, and captivating stage presence. Meyer’s versatility allows her to traverse diverse musical styles, from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, with equal mastery and conviction. As a teacher and mentor, she has inspired countless clarinetists, shaping the future of the instrument. Meyer’s artistry continues to enrich the world of classical music, leaving an indelible mark on audiences and fellow musicians alike.
6. Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing,” was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader who played a pivotal role in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in 1909 and passed away in 1986.
Goodman’s clarinet playing was characterized by its technical brilliance and smooth, lyrical tone. He rose to fame in the 1930s, leading one of the most popular and successful big bands of the era. Goodman’s band was known for its tight arrangements and exciting performances, which helped to popularize swing music and bring it into the mainstream.
Goodman’s influence extended beyond his performances with his band. He was one of the first white bandleaders to integrate his band, hiring talented African American musicians such as Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. Goodman’s famous 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall is considered a landmark event in jazz history, as it was one of the first times that jazz was presented in a formal concert setting.
Overall, Benny Goodman’s contributions to jazz and swing music have had a lasting impact, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of jazz.
7. Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw, an iconic figure in the history of jazz and swing music, was a virtuoso clarinetist, composer, and bandleader. Renowned for his technical brilliance, improvisational prowess, and innovative approach to music, Shaw rose to fame during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s. His smooth tone and sophisticated style captivated audiences, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous hit records. Shaw’s compositions, including “Begin the Beguine” and “Stardust,” remain classics of the swing era. Despite his early retirement from the music industry, Shaw’s contributions to jazz and clarinet performance continue to influence generations of musicians and listeners.
8. Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer who was born in 1897 and passed away in 1959. He was one of the first important soloists in jazz, known for his virtuosic improvisations and expressive style.
Bechet’s primary instruments were the clarinet and the soprano saxophone, and he was renowned for his ability to infuse his playing with emotion and passion. He was a key figure in the development of jazz, particularly in its early years, and his recordings from the 1920s and 1930s are considered classics of the genre.
Bechet was also known for his strong personality and his colorful life off the stage. He spent much of his career in Europe, where he was celebrated for his musicianship. Bechet’s compositions, such as “Petite Fleur” and “Si Tu Vois Ma Mère,” have become jazz standards and are still performed today.
Overall, Sidney Bechet’s contributions to jazz music were significant, and he remains a legendary figure in the history of the genre.
9. Woody Herman
Woody Herman, affectionately known as “The Herdsman,” was a pioneering figure in the world of jazz as a bandleader, saxophonist, and clarinetist. Leading several influential big bands over the decades, including the famous “First Herd” and “Second Herd,” Herman played a significant role in shaping the sound of jazz from the swing era into bebop and beyond. Known for his innovative arrangements and tight-knit ensembles, Herman’s bands featured top-notch musicians and showcased his energetic, driving style. His hit songs, such as “Woodchopper’s Ball” and “Four Brothers,” remain classics of the big band repertoire. Herman’s enduring legacy continues to inspire jazz musicians and enthusiasts worldwide.
10. Acker Bilk
Acker Bilk, born Bernard Stanley Bilk, was a British clarinetist and vocalist known for his distinctive style and for popularizing traditional jazz in the United Kingdom. He was born in 1929 and passed away in 2014.
Bilk was best known for his 1961 instrumental track “Stranger on the Shore,” which became a massive hit and topped the charts in the UK and the US. The song’s haunting melody, played on Bilk’s clarinet, resonated with audiences and became one of the best-selling instrumental singles of all time.
Bilk’s music was characterized by his warm, lyrical clarinet sound and his ability to blend elements of traditional jazz with popular music of the time. He was a key figure in the British trad jazz movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and his band, the Paramount Jazz Band, was a popular fixture in the UK jazz scene.
In addition to his music, Bilk was known for his distinctive appearance, often seen wearing a bowler hat and striped waistcoat, which became his trademark. He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most beloved jazz musicians.
11. Larry Combs
Larry Combs is a renowned American clarinetist who is highly regarded for his exceptional musicianship and technical proficiency. He was born in 1949 and is best known for his tenure as the principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for over 30 years.
Combs joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1974 and quickly established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation. Known for his beautiful tone, impeccable phrasing, and virtuosic technique, Combs became a prominent figure in the classical music world.
In addition to his orchestral career, Combs is also a respected soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with major orchestras and in prestigious venues around the world. Combs is also an esteemed teacher and has served on the faculty of several music schools, including the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and DePaul University.
Overall, Larry Combs’ contributions to the world of clarinet playing have earned him a place among the most esteemed clarinetists of his time, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
12. Karl Leister
Karl Leister is a distinguished clarinetist revered for his exceptional artistry, technical brilliance, and profound musical insights. Hailing from Germany, Leister rose to prominence as one of the preeminent clarinet players of the 20th century. For over three decades, he served as the principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, where his exquisite tone and expressive playing contributed to the ensemble’s renowned sound. Leister’s versatility is evident in his performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist, showcasing his mastery across a diverse repertoire. As a teacher, he has influenced countless clarinetists worldwide, imparting his wisdom and passion for music to the next generation. Leister’s legacy as a clarinet virtuoso and musical mentor continues to resonate profoundly within the classical music community.
13. Martin Fröst
Martin Fröst is a Swedish clarinetist known for his innovative and dynamic approach to music. Born in 1970, Fröst has established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation, admired for his technical prowess, expressive playing, and charismatic stage presence.
Fröst is known for his versatility, performing a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary music. He is particularly celebrated for his interpretations of the clarinet concertos by Mozart, Weber, and other classical composers, as well as his collaborations with leading orchestras and conductors around the world.
In addition to his classical performances, Fröst is known for his boundary-pushing projects that blend different genres and art forms. He has collaborated with dancers, visual artists, and musicians from diverse backgrounds, creating innovative and engaging performances that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Fröst’s recordings have received critical acclaim, and he has won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. He continues to inspire audiences with his artistry and passion for music.
14. Jack Brymer
Jack Brymer, a distinguished clarinetist from England, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music with his exceptional talent, technical mastery, and profound musicality. Renowned for his warm, velvety tone and impeccable phrasing, Brymer’s interpretations captivated audiences and earned him widespread acclaim as one of the finest clarinetists of his time. He served as the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, showcasing his versatility and artistry in both orchestral and chamber music settings. Brymer’s legacy extends beyond his performances; he was also a dedicated teacher and author, sharing his expertise and insights with aspiring musicians through masterclasses, workshops, and publications. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire and pedagogy continue to inspire generations of clarinetists around the world, ensuring that his legacy endures as a beacon of excellence in the world of classical music.
15. Stanley Drucker
Stanley Drucker is an acclaimed American clarinetist who had a long and distinguished career as the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic. Born in 1929, Drucker joined the orchestra in 1948 and remained with them for over six decades, becoming one of the longest-serving orchestral musicians in history.
Drucker is renowned for his exceptional musicianship, technical mastery, and versatility as a clarinetist. He performed a vast repertoire with the New York Philharmonic, under the baton of legendary conductors such as Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta.
In addition to his orchestral work, Drucker is also a respected soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with major orchestras around the world and has recorded extensively throughout his career.
Drucker’s contributions to the clarinet repertoire are significant, with many composers writing works specifically for him. He is also a dedicated teacher, having served on the faculty of The Juilliard School and other prestigious institutions.
Overall, Stanley Drucker’s impact on the world of classical music, particularly the clarinet, is immense, and he remains a revered figure among musicians and music lovers alike.