Clarinet players are musicians who specialize in the clarinet, a woodwind instrument known for its wide range, versatility, and rich, warm tone. These players must master breath control, finger technique, and reed management to produce a variety of sounds, from smooth, mellow tones to bright, articulate notes. Clarinetists perform in a range of musical settings, including orchestras, chamber ensembles, bands, and as soloists.
They play a diverse repertoire, from classical pieces by composers like Mozart and Brahms to jazz, contemporary, and even folk music. Clarinet players are valued for their ability to convey a broad spectrum of emotions and styles, making the clarinet a central and expressive instrument in many musical traditions.
1. Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman (1909–1986), often referred to as the “King of Swing,” was an American clarinetist and bandleader who played a pivotal role in popularizing jazz and swing music in the 1930s and 1940s. Born to a poor Jewish family in Chicago, Goodman showed exceptional musical talent from a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the jazz world.
Goodman was known for his virtuosic clarinet playing, characterized by a smooth, fluid tone and extraordinary technical skill. His innovative approach to jazz and swing helped bridge the gap between black and white audiences during a time of racial segregation in the United States. His 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall, one of the first jazz performances at the prestigious venue, is considered a landmark event in the history of jazz.
In addition to his work as a bandleader, Goodman was a talented classical musician, performing and recording works by composers such as Mozart, Bartók, and Copland. His influence extended beyond jazz, as he helped elevate the clarinet to new heights in both popular and classical music.
Benny Goodman’s legacy as a trailblazer in jazz, a master clarinetist, and a cultural icon endures, making him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
2. Sabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer is a renowned German clarinetist, celebrated for her exceptional artistry and contributions to both the classical music world and the elevation of the clarinet as a solo instrument. Born in 1959 in Crailsheim, Germany, Meyer began studying the clarinet at an early age and quickly established herself as one of the leading clarinetists of her generation.
Meyer first gained international attention when she became one of the first women to join the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982, a move that sparked significant controversy at the time but ultimately paved the way for greater gender diversity in orchestras. Although her tenure with the Berlin Philharmonic was brief, it launched her into a successful solo career.
As a soloist, Sabine Meyer has performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic. She is known for her impeccable technique, rich tone, and interpretative depth, particularly in the classical and Romantic repertoire. Meyer has also been a champion of contemporary music, premiering new works and expanding the clarinet’s repertoire.
In addition to her performing career, Meyer is a dedicated teacher, holding a professorship at the Lübeck Academy of Music. She has mentored many young clarinetists who have gone on to successful careers. Sabine Meyer’s impact on the world of clarinet playing is profound, making her one of the most respected and influential clarinetists in the world.
3. Martin Fröst
Martin Fröst (b. 1970) is a Swedish clarinetist and conductor renowned for his virtuosic skill and innovative approach to classical music. Widely regarded as one of the finest clarinetists of his generation, Fröst is celebrated for his technical mastery, expressive range, and captivating stage presence. He has performed with leading orchestras around the world and is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional concert programming by incorporating elements of dance, acting, and multimedia into his performances.
In addition to his work as a clarinetist, Fröst is an accomplished conductor, often leading orchestras in performances that feature his own clarinet solos. His commitment to expanding the repertoire for clarinet and his dedication to artistic innovation have earned him numerous awards and a devoted global following. Fröst is also a passionate advocate for music education and frequently engages in outreach activities to inspire young musicians.
4. Richard Stoltzman
Richard Stoltzman (b. 1942) is an acclaimed American clarinetist known for his extraordinary artistry and versatility. Renowned for his expressive playing and technical prowess, Stoltzman has made significant contributions to both classical and contemporary music. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide and has been a prominent figure in chamber music. Stoltzman’s repertoire spans from classical works to modern compositions, and he is particularly noted for his interpretations of contemporary clarinet music. His extensive discography includes collaborations with renowned composers and musicians, and he has received numerous awards for his recordings. Stoltzman is also a dedicated educator, inspiring and mentoring young clarinetists through masterclasses and teaching positions.
5. Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet (1897–1959) was a pioneering American jazz clarinetist and soprano saxophonist, renowned for his virtuosic playing and significant contributions to the early development of jazz. Born in New Orleans, Bechet was a prodigious talent whose career began in the vibrant jazz scene of his hometown.
Bechet is best known for his passionate, fiery playing style and distinctive sound. His expertise on the soprano saxophone, in particular, set him apart, and he was one of the first musicians to gain fame for this instrument in jazz. His improvisational skills and expressive performances were instrumental in shaping the early jazz aesthetic.
In the 1920s, Bechet’s work with various jazz bands and his recordings with ensembles such as the Clarence Williams Blue Five and the Louis Armstrong Hot Five helped to establish his reputation as a jazz innovator. His compositions, including classics like “Petite Fleur,” remain influential in the jazz repertoire.
Bechet’s career spanned several decades, including successful periods in Europe, where he became a celebrated figure in the jazz scene. His impact on jazz was profound, as he helped elevate the clarinet and soprano saxophone to prominence within the genre. Sidney Bechet’s legacy endures through his recordings and the enduring influence he had on jazz musicians who followed.
6. Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera (b. 1948) is a Cuban-American saxophonist and clarinetist celebrated for his contributions to jazz and Latin music. A virtuoso performer, composer, and arranger, D’Rivera has a unique style that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz improvisation. He began his career as a child prodigy in Cuba, playing with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra and various jazz ensembles before defecting to the United States in the 1980s. D’Rivera has received multiple Grammy Awards for his work, which includes a rich discography spanning both Latin jazz and classical music. His innovative approach and charismatic performances have made him a major influence in the world of contemporary jazz and Latin music.
7. Sharon Kam
Sharon Kam (b. 1969) is a highly acclaimed German clarinetist known for her exceptional technique and expressive performances. Born in Israel and later naturalized as a German citizen, Kam has established herself as a leading figure in the classical music world. She has performed with major orchestras and ensembles worldwide, and her repertoire spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Kam is particularly noted for her interpretations of 20th and 21st-century clarinet music, often collaborating with renowned composers to premiere new compositions. In addition to her performing career, she is a dedicated educator, offering masterclasses and mentoring young clarinetists.
8. Eddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels, born in 1941 in New York City, is a highly acclaimed American clarinetist and saxophonist known for his versatility and virtuosity across a range of musical genres. With a career spanning jazz, classical, and crossover music, Daniels has established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation.
Daniels first gained recognition for his exceptional jazz performances, showcasing his technical skill and innovative approach on both the clarinet and saxophone. His jazz recordings, including collaborations with prominent musicians like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, highlight his ability to blend traditional jazz with contemporary styles.
In addition to his jazz career, Daniels has made significant contributions to classical music. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras and has recorded classical repertoire, demonstrating his wide-ranging abilities. His interpretations of works by composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein have been praised for their depth and expressiveness.
Eddie Daniels is also a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions and influencing the next generation of musicians. His extensive discography and contributions to both jazz and classical music underscore his diverse talents and lasting impact on the music world.
9. Don Byron
Don Byron (b. 1958) is an American clarinetist and composer known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. His work spans a wide range of genres, including jazz, classical, klezmer, and contemporary music. Byron is celebrated for his virtuosity and versatility, often blending various musical traditions in his performances and compositions. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from jazz greats to classical ensembles. Byron’s contributions to music are distinguished by his ability to bridge different styles and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional clarinet music.
10. David Shifrin
David Shifrin is a distinguished American clarinetist known for his exceptional skill and contributions to both classical and contemporary music. Born in 1958, Shifrin has built an illustrious career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator.
Shifrin is renowned for his performances with major orchestras and as a soloist, including his work with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. His interpretations of classical clarinet concertos, such as those by Mozart and Weber, are celebrated for their technical precision and musicality.
In addition to his orchestral work, Shifrin is a prominent chamber musician, having performed with esteemed ensembles like the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Guarneri Quartet. His versatility extends to contemporary music, with numerous world premieres of new works for the clarinet.
As an educator, Shifrin has been a professor at Yale University and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. His influence on the next generation of clarinetists is significant, reflecting his dedication to both performance and teaching.
David Shifrin’s contributions to the clarinet repertoire and his impact on the music community have established him as one of the leading clarinetists of his time.
11. Ricardo Morales
Ricardo Morales is a distinguished Puerto Rican clarinetist renowned for his exceptional technique and musicality. He currently serves as the principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, a position he has held since 2003. Morales is celebrated for his rich tone, precision, and versatility, and he has performed with leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide. He is also an esteemed educator, offering masterclasses and teaching at various institutions. Morales’s contributions to the clarinet repertoire include performances of both classical and contemporary works, and he is known for his commitment to expanding the role of the clarinet in the concert hall.
12. Anat Cohen
Anat Cohen (b. 1975) is an Israeli-born clarinetist and saxophonist acclaimed for her dynamic performances and diverse musical style. Known for her versatility, Cohen excels in a variety of genres, including jazz, Latin, and world music. She has been recognized for her exceptional technique and expressive playing, and her work often incorporates elements of Brazilian, Argentine, and other Latin American musical traditions. Cohen’s discography includes several critically acclaimed albums, and she has performed with renowned musicians and ensembles globally. In addition to her performing career, Cohen is a dedicated educator and an advocate for expanding the role of the clarinet and saxophone in contemporary music.
13. Andrew Marriner
Andrew Marriner is a renowned British clarinetist known for his distinguished career as both a soloist and orchestral player. Born in 1954, Marriner is celebrated for his exceptional technique, expressive playing, and versatility across various musical genres.
Marriner gained prominence as the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), a position he has held since 1982. His tenure with the LSO has been marked by numerous acclaimed performances and recordings, showcasing his remarkable ability to interpret a wide range of clarinet repertoire.
In addition to his orchestral work, Marriner is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide, and his solo recordings include both classical and contemporary works, highlighting his broad musical interests and technical prowess.
As an educator, Marriner has been involved in teaching and mentoring young clarinetists, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of musicians. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire and his impact on the classical music community have solidified his reputation as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation.
14. Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill (b. 1980) is a celebrated American clarinetist known for his remarkable technique and musicality. He is the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, a position he has held since 2014. McGill has performed with major orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he is recognized for his expressive playing and virtuosity. He has also been involved in a variety of educational and outreach activities, including teaching and giving masterclasses. McGill’s repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works, and he is known for his commitment to expanding the clarinet’s role in modern music.
15. Kinan Azmeh
Kinan Azmeh is a Syrian clarinetist and composer known for his innovative blend of classical, jazz, and Middle Eastern music. Born in 1976 in Damascus, Azmeh is celebrated for his virtuosic clarinet playing, as well as his unique approach to composition and performance that bridges diverse musical traditions.
Azmeh’s career began with formal studies at the Damascus Conservatory and later at the Juilliard School in New York, where he honed his technical skills and expanded his musical horizons. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic.
In addition to his performance career, Azmeh is a prolific composer. His compositions often reflect a fusion of his Middle Eastern heritage with contemporary and classical influences. He has also been involved in various collaborative projects, including work with jazz musicians and traditional Middle Eastern ensembles.
Azmeh is also an advocate for cultural and artistic exchange, using his platform to raise awareness about the rich musical traditions of the Arab world. His contributions to music and his efforts to bridge cultural divides make him a prominent and influential figure in the global music community.