The clarinet, with its rich tonal palette and expressive versatility, has captivated audiences for centuries. From the shimmering heights of classical concertos to the soulful depths of jazz improvisations, this wind instrument has been a defining voice in many genres. But what truly brings the clarinet to life are the virtuosos behind it—those rare musicians whose technical brilliance and emotional depth transform mere notes into unforgettable experiences.
In this article, we dive deep into the world of clarinet mastery, celebrating the top 15 best clarinet players of all time. Whether they are legends of the concert hall, pioneers of jazz, or innovators of contemporary styles, these clarinetists have redefined what is possible on the instrument. Their groundbreaking performances and lasting influence continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Join us as we explore the lives, careers, and most iconic recordings of these extraordinary artists, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Whether you’re a seasoned clarinet enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this list will introduce you to some of the greatest clarinet players who have ever graced the stage. Prepare to be amazed!
1. Benny Goodman
Known as the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman revolutionized jazz with his virtuosic clarinet playing. Born in 1909, Goodman’s technical skill and smooth, effortless tone helped introduce jazz to mainstream America. His groundbreaking performance at Carnegie Hall in 1938 is still regarded as one of the greatest moments in jazz history. Goodman’s versatility extended beyond swing, as he also performed classical pieces with some of the world’s top orchestras. His influence on both jazz and classical clarinetists is undeniable, making him a giant of 20th-century music.
2. Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw was more than just a brilliant jazz clarinetist—he was a bandleader, composer, and innovator who constantly pushed the boundaries of music. Born in 1910, Shaw led one of the most popular big bands of the swing era. His recording of “Begin the Beguine” became a massive hit, cementing his status as a leading figure in jazz. Shaw was known for his fluid phrasing and emotionally charged playing, which could swing one moment and soar the next. A perfectionist, Shaw often walked away from his music career at its peak, but his recordings remain timeless masterpieces.
3. Sabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer is one of the most celebrated classical clarinetists of our time. Born in Germany in 1959, Meyer first gained international attention when she was controversially appointed as one of the first female members of the Berlin Philharmonic. Her radiant tone and technical brilliance have made her a key figure in classical clarinet performance. Meyer has performed with leading orchestras worldwide and has an extensive discography that spans everything from Mozart to contemporary works. Her impact on the classical music world is profound, particularly for female musicians.
4. Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet was a jazz pioneer and one of the first musicians to adopt the clarinet as a lead instrument. Born in New Orleans in 1897, Bechet was a key figure in the development of early jazz. His fiery, passionate playing style, characterized by fast vibrato and emotional intensity, made him a standout in the jazz scene. Bechet was also a superb soprano saxophonist, but his clarinet work, especially on tracks like “Petite Fleur,” remains iconic. His influence on later generations of jazz clarinetists is immeasurable.
5. Richard Stoltzman
Richard Stoltzman has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile clarinetists in history. Born in 1942, Stoltzman is equally comfortable in classical, jazz, and chamber music settings. His warm, expressive tone and flawless technique have won him two Grammy Awards and performances with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles worldwide. Stoltzman is also known for his collaborations with contemporary composers, expanding the clarinet repertoire in exciting new directions. His ability to move between genres with ease is a testament to his extraordinary musicianship.
6. Martin Fröst
Swedish clarinetist Martin Fröst is one of the most innovative musicians of his generation. Born in 1970, Fröst has wowed audiences with his technical mastery and theatrical stage presence. Known for his exceptional interpretations of both classical and contemporary works, Fröst has performed with top orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw and the New York Philharmonic. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of what the clarinet can do, both musically and visually, has made him a trailblazer in the classical world.
7. David Shifrin
David Shifrin is one of America’s leading classical clarinetists, celebrated for his rich tone and impeccable technique. Born in 1950, Shifrin has performed as a soloist with major orchestras around the world, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, where he served as artistic director. He is also a dedicated chamber musician, having played with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for decades. Shifrin’s elegant style and commitment to expanding the clarinet repertoire have earned him a lasting place in the classical music landscape.
8. Giora Feidman
Giora Feidman, born in Buenos Aires in 1936, is known as the “King of Klezmer.” Feidman’s clarinet playing brings a deeply emotional and spiritual quality to Klezmer music, a genre rooted in Jewish traditions. His ability to convey joy, sorrow, and everything in between has made him a beloved figure in world music. Feidman has also dabbled in classical music, performing works by composers like Mozart and Brahms, but it is his Klezmer performances that have truly resonated with audiences worldwide.
9. Karl Leister
Karl Leister is one of the most important figures in the world of classical clarinet. Born in 1937 in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, Leister was the principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic for over three decades, during which time he became renowned for his refined tone and musical sensitivity. His interpretations of Mozart, Brahms, and Weber are considered some of the finest ever recorded. Leister has also been a passionate advocate for new clarinet compositions, leaving a lasting legacy in the classical world.
10. Pete Fountain
Pete Fountain was one of the most beloved jazz clarinetists, known for his smooth, lyrical playing style and his deep connection to the New Orleans jazz tradition. Born in 1930, Fountain became famous for his work with the Lawrence Welk Show and his own band in New Orleans. His relaxed, melodic approach to the clarinet made him a favorite among both jazz aficionados and casual listeners. Fountain’s career spanned over five decades, and his contributions to Dixieland jazz are still celebrated today.
11. Sharon Kam
Sharon Kam is an Israeli clarinetist who has dazzled audiences with her technical brilliance and musical depth. Born in 1971, Kam has performed with leading orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic and the Vienna Symphony. Her interpretations of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and other classical works are widely acclaimed. Kam’s ability to balance technical precision with emotional expression makes her one of the standout classical clarinetists of her generation.
12. Eddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels is a jazz and classical clarinetist renowned for his ability to bridge the gap between the two genres. Born in 1941, Daniels first gained attention as a jazz saxophonist before turning his focus to the clarinet, where he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. His album Breakthrough became a landmark recording, showcasing his incredible technique and improvisational prowess. Daniels’ versatility and virtuosity have cemented his place as one of the greatest clarinet players ever to grace the stage.
13. Michel Portal
French clarinetist Michel Portal is a musical chameleon, equally at home in jazz, classical, and avant-garde music. Born in 1935, Portal has collaborated with some of the biggest names in contemporary music and jazz, and his versatility has made him one of Europe’s most in-demand clarinetists. His ability to seamlessly switch between genres, combined with his adventurous spirit, has made him a key figure in the world of modern clarinet performance.
14. Heinrich Joseph Baermann
One of the most important classical clarinetists of the 19th century, Heinrich Joseph Baermann was born in 1784 and was a close associate of composers like Carl Maria von Weber and Felix Mendelssohn, who wrote clarinet works specifically for him. Baermann’s beautiful tone and incredible technique set a new standard for the instrument, and he was instrumental in expanding the clarinet’s role in classical music. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire and his influence on other musicians are still felt today.
15. Jörg Widmann
Jörg Widmann is a clarinetist, composer, and conductor who has made a significant impact on contemporary music. Born in 1973 in Munich, Widmann is known for his innovative compositions and his electrifying performances. As a clarinetist, he has performed with leading orchestras and has premiered many new works for the instrument. Widmann’s creativity and fearless approach to both performance and composition have made him a major force in the modern music 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.
