Clarinet players are musicians who specialize in playing the clarinet, a versatile woodwind instrument with a wide range and a rich, expressive tone. Clarinet players are found in a variety of musical settings, including orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. They are known for their technical skill, ability to play a wide range of musical styles, and expressive phrasing.
Clarinet players must master various aspects of clarinet technique, including embouchure (mouth position), breath control, fingerings, and articulation (how notes are started and stopped). They also need a good ear for pitch and tone quality to produce a beautiful sound on the instrument.
Famous clarinet players include Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Sabine Meyer, among others, who have made significant contributions to the clarinet repertoire and influenced generations of clarinet players.
1. Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman (1909–1986) was an iconic American jazz clarinetist and bandleader known as the “King of Swing.” Born in Chicago, Goodman began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the jazz scene of the 1920s and 1930s.
Goodman’s groundbreaking performances with his orchestra at the Palomar Ballroom in 1935 helped popularize swing music and catapulted him to fame. He became one of the first bandleaders to integrate racially mixed groups, showcasing the talents of musicians like Lionel Hampton and Teddy Wilson.
Throughout his career, Goodman recorded numerous hits, including “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” and collaborated with legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. He also performed classical music, commissioning works for clarinet from composers like Aaron Copland and Bela Bartok.
Goodman’s influence on jazz and popular music cannot be overstated. His virtuosic clarinet playing, innovative arrangements, and commitment to musical excellence helped shape the course of 20th-century music, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians.
2. Sabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer, born in 1959 in Germany, is an internationally acclaimed clarinetist known for her virtuosity, expressive playing, and versatile repertoire. She began her musical studies at a young age and quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading clarinetists of her generation.
Meyer’s career encompasses both solo performances and collaborations with prestigious orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide. She is celebrated for her impeccable technique, rich tone, and profound musical interpretation, captivating audiences with each performance.
In addition to her classical repertoire, Meyer has championed contemporary music, commissioning new works for the clarinet and collaborating with contemporary composers. She has also explored crossover projects, blending classical music with other genres to create innovative and engaging performances.
Meyer’s recordings have received critical acclaim and earned her numerous awards, solidifying her reputation as one of the preeminent clarinetists of her time. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to musical excellence continue to inspire audiences and musicians alike around the world.
3. Martin Fröst
4. Richard Stoltzman
Richard Stoltzman, born in 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, is an esteemed American clarinetist known for his virtuosity, versatility, and expressive musicality. He began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent.
Stoltzman’s career has encompassed a wide range of musical genres, from classical to jazz and beyond. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, collaborating with renowned conductors and composers. Stoltzman’s interpretations are characterized by their warmth, depth, and technical brilliance, earning him acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
In addition to his classical performances, Stoltzman has made significant contributions to the world of jazz, exploring improvisation and pushing the boundaries of the clarinet’s capabilities in this genre. He has collaborated with jazz legends such as Woody Herman and Chick Corea, demonstrating his versatility and creative flair.
Stoltzman’s recordings span a vast repertoire, ranging from classical concertos to jazz standards and contemporary works. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, cementing his status as one of the most influential clarinetists of his generation. His passion for music and his dedication to artistic excellence continue to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide.
5. Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet (1897-1959) was an iconic American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the development of jazz music. Born in New Orleans, Bechet began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly mastered the instrument, showcasing his remarkable talent and innovative improvisational skills.
Bechet’s distinctive style combined elements of classical music, blues, and ragtime, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences around the world. He was one of the first jazz musicians to achieve international fame, touring extensively throughout Europe and recording prolifically.
In addition to his virtuosic clarinet playing, Bechet was also a skilled saxophonist, particularly known for his mastery of the soprano saxophone. His recordings, including classics like “Summertime” and “Petite Fleur,” remain influential in the jazz canon, inspiring generations of musicians.
Bechet’s impact on jazz music cannot be overstated. He helped shape the direction of the genre, influencing countless musicians with his innovative approach to improvisation and his passionate performances. His legacy as one of the pioneers of jazz clarinet and saxophone playing endures, continuing to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.
6. Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera is a world-renowned Cuban-American clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer known for his virtuosic playing and innovative blend of jazz and Latin music. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1948, D’Rivera began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He defected to the United States in 1980 and has since become one of the most influential figures in Latin jazz.
D’Rivera’s playing is characterized by its technical brilliance, rhythmic sophistication, and deep musicality. He is known for seamlessly blending elements of jazz, classical, and Latin music in his compositions and performances, creating a unique and captivating sound. D’Rivera has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music, including multiple Grammy Awards. He continues to perform and record extensively, delighting audiences around the world with his extraordinary talent and musical innovation.
7. Sharon Kam
Sharon Kam is a highly acclaimed Israeli clarinetist known for her exceptional musicianship and expressive playing. Born in 1971 in Haifa, Israel, Kam began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and has since performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world.
Kam is known for her beautiful tone, technical mastery, and emotional depth in her playing. She has a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical works to contemporary compositions, and has collaborated with renowned conductors and musicians. Kam’s recordings and performances have received critical acclaim, establishing her as one of the leading clarinetists of her generation.
8. Eddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels, born in 1941 in New York City, is an acclaimed American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for his technical virtuosity, versatility, and innovative approach to improvisation. He began his musical career at a young age, studying clarinet and saxophone and quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional talent.
Daniels’ career spans over six decades and encompasses a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, classical, and fusion. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Thad Jones, Billy Joel, and Quincy Jones, and has performed with major orchestras around the world.
One of Daniels’ notable achievements was his Grammy Award-winning album “Memos from Paradise,” which showcased his mastery of both the clarinet and saxophone and his ability to blend various musical genres seamlessly.
In addition to his performing career, Daniels is also a respected educator and clinician, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with students around the world.
Throughout his career, Eddie Daniels has remained at the forefront of the jazz world, continually pushing the boundaries of his artistry and inspiring audiences with his breathtaking performances and innovative musical ideas.
9. Don Byron
Don Byron is a versatile American clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz and classical music. Born in 1958 in New York City, Byron grew up surrounded by music and began playing clarinet at a young age. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and quickly gained recognition for his eclectic style and virtuosic technique.
Byron is known for blending elements of jazz, classical, funk, and Latin music in his compositions and performances. He has released numerous albums as a bandleader and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, and Vernon Reid. Byron’s playing is characterized by its creativity, rhythmic complexity, and soulful expression, making him a unique and influential voice in the world of music.
10. David Shifrin
David Shifrin, born in 1949 in New York City, is a distinguished American clarinetist renowned for his consummate musicianship, technical brilliance, and expressive playing. He began studying the clarinet at an early age and quickly established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation.
Shifrin’s illustrious career has included performances as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, collaborating with renowned conductors and composers. He is particularly admired for his interpretations of the classical clarinet repertoire, as well as his advocacy for contemporary music.
In addition to his solo performances, Shifrin is a dedicated chamber musician, performing with esteemed ensembles such as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Guarneri Quartet. He is also a sought-after teacher and mentor, serving on the faculties of prestigious institutions such as the Yale School of Music and the Juilliard School.
Shifrin’s recordings have received widespread acclaim, earning him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His artistry, dedication to musical excellence, and profound interpretation continue to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the preeminent clarinetists of his time.
11. Ricardo Morales
Ricardo Morales is a world-renowned clarinetist known for his remarkable artistry and technical prowess. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Morales began playing the clarinet at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He has served as the principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2003, following a distinguished tenure as principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Morales is celebrated for his exquisite tone, flawless technique, and deep musical interpretation. He is a sought-after soloist, performing with leading orchestras around the world, and a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and artists. Morales is also a committed educator, serving on the faculties of The Juilliard School, Temple University, and the Curtis Institute of Music. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire and the classical music world have earned him acclaim and admiration from audiences and fellow musicians alike.
12. Anat Cohen
Anat Cohen, born in 1975 in Tel Aviv, Israel, is an internationally acclaimed jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for her virtuosity, versatility, and inventive musical voice. Raised in a musical family, Cohen began playing the clarinet at an early age and quickly demonstrated prodigious talent.
Cohen’s career has been marked by a commitment to exploring a wide range of musical styles, from traditional jazz to Brazilian choro, Argentine tango, and beyond. She is celebrated for her ability to seamlessly blend elements of different genres while maintaining her distinctive voice and artistic integrity.
As a solo artist and bandleader, Cohen has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing her exceptional musicianship and adventurous spirit. She has also collaborated with some of the most prominent musicians in jazz, including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Paquito D’Rivera.
In addition to her performing career, Cohen is a dedicated educator, sharing her passion for music through teaching and workshops around the world. She is known for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians and for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the jazz community.
Anat Cohen’s innovative approach to the clarinet and saxophone, her expressive playing, and her boundless creativity continue to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide, solidifying her place as one of the most important voices in contemporary jazz.
13. Andrew Marriner
Andrew Marriner is a highly esteemed British clarinetist known for his exceptional musicianship and longstanding career as the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra. Born in 1955 in London, Marriner comes from a musical family; his father, Sir Neville Marriner, was a renowned conductor. Marriner studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later joined the London Symphony Orchestra, where he has served as principal clarinet since 1986.
Marriner is celebrated for his warm tone, technical mastery, and expressive playing style. He is a sought-after soloist, performing with orchestras and ensembles worldwide, and has recorded extensively, showcasing his artistry and versatility. Marriner is also a dedicated educator, holding teaching positions at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire and the classical music world have earned him acclaim and admiration from audiences and fellow musicians alike.
14. Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill is a prominent American clarinetist known for his exceptional talent and virtuosity. Born in Chicago, Illinois, McGill grew up in a musical family and began playing the clarinet at a young age. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned clarinetists.
McGill has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is celebrated for his beautiful tone, technical precision, and expressive phrasing, and has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances.
In addition to his work as a soloist, McGill is a dedicated chamber musician and advocate for music education. He serves as the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, where he has been praised for his musicianship and leadership. McGill’s playing is characterized by its warmth, lyricism, and emotional depth, making him one of the leading clarinetists of his generation.
15. Kinan Azmeh
Kinan Azmeh, born in 1976 in Damascus, Syria, is an acclaimed clarinetist and composer known for his innovative blend of classical, jazz, and Middle Eastern music influences. He began studying music at an early age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent, earning scholarships to study in Syria, Germany, and the United States.
Azmeh’s music reflects his diverse cultural background and experiences, incorporating elements of traditional Syrian music, jazz improvisation, and classical composition. He is celebrated for his virtuosic clarinet playing, characterized by its rich tone, expressive phrasing, and technical brilliance.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Azmeh has performed with orchestras and ensembles around the world, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing performances and innovative compositions. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Daniel Barenboim, and members of the Silkroad Ensemble.
In addition to his performing career, Azmeh is committed to using music as a tool for social change and cultural understanding. He has been involved in numerous humanitarian initiatives and projects that aim to promote peace and dialogue through music.
Kinan Azmeh’s artistry, creativity, and advocacy for social justice have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the most important voices in contemporary music. His work continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike, bridging cultures and fostering connections in an increasingly globalized world.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
