Clarinetists from all over the world and since the early 18th century, when the modern instrument was introduced in Germany, would be included on any list of famous clarinet players. Clarinetists have played an important role in music from Anton Stadler’s mastery of the basset clarinet in the late 18th century to Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw’s jazz and swing in the 20th century. There is no definitive list of famous clarinet players because the superiority of any given musician is based on subjective judgment. Nonetheless, famous clarinetists can be found in a wide range of musical styles, from classical to jazz and swing.
Anton Stadler, an Austrian, was one of the first well-known clarinet players, attracting the attention of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Stadler’s career spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and he was known for producing a beautiful, clear tone from a rustic version of the instrument that is still used today. Mozart wrote several pieces for Stadler, including the “Quintet for Clarinet and Strings” and the “Quintet for Clarinet and Strings.”
Concerto for Clarinet.”
Heinrich Baermann and his son Carl, both active performers in the nineteenth century, are two other early famous clarinet players. The elder Baermann traded in his oboe for a clarinet and went on to become a famous clarinetist in Europe. Heinrich’s music was composed Carl Maria von Weber and Felix Mendelssohn, both Romantic composers. “Opp. 113” and “Opp. 114” were written Mendelssohn for father and son clarinetists to perform together. Heinrich’s son Carl wrote a number of pieces that were well-liked virtuosos.
Benny Goodman, an American jazz and swing musician, is one of the most well-known clarinet players of the twentieth century. Goodman, dubbed the “King of Swing,” was a bandleader as well as a soloist who toured the country performing classical and modern music. He was the first jazz bandleader to sell out Carnegie Hall in 1938, a concert widely regarded as one of jazz music’s most important. During his solo career, Goodman commissioned many pieces from contemporary composers, ensuring that the instrument remained in the spotlight.
Artie Shaw, an American jazz clarinetist, was a bandleader in the 1930s and 1940s, just like Goodman. His band’s signature song was a cover of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” Shaw went on to perform with Leonard Bernstein’s New York Philharmonic, winning a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
Sabine Meyer, a German classical clarinetist, has recorded extensively as a soloist. As a result, she has contributed to the global promotion of the clarinet as a solo instrument. She began her career as a solo clarinetist with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra before founding the Trio di Clarone in 1983. Meyer is a passionate supporter of new music, and she has commissioned works from Toshio Hosokawa, Jean Francaix, and Harald Genzmer.
Martin Frost, a clarinetist from Sweden, was born in 1970 and is known for his physical performance style. During performances, he is known to move, dance, and sing, encouraging the audience to participate in the music. Frost’s dexterity and agility, which allow him to master complex, fast pieces and styles, help him stand out as a soloist.
Woody Allen, an American director best known for his films, is also a talented jazz clarinetist. Clarinetist Woody Herman inspired him to use the stage name Woody. He performs with his New Orleans jazz band on occasion in Manhattan and at various jazz festivals. The clarinetist Woody Allen was the subject of Barbara Kopple’s 1997 documentary Wild Man Blues.
There are numerous other well-known clarinetists. Because the greatness of any musician is somewhat subjective, it is impossible to create an exhaustive or definitive list. As a result of the performances of many talented clarinetists, the clarinet remains an important solo and ensemble instrument.