The clarinet, with its rich, versatile sound, has been a staple in both classical and jazz music for centuries. Over the years, many exceptional clarinetists have emerged, each leaving a unique mark on the world of music.
From the swinging rhythms of jazz legends like Benny Goodman to the expressive tones of classical virtuosos like Sabine Meyer, these musicians have not only mastered their craft but have also pushed the boundaries of what the clarinet can achieve.
In this article, we explore the lives and careers of some of the most famous clarinet players, whose contributions have shaped the history and evolution of this beloved instrument.
21 Most Famous Clarinet Players You Need to Hear
Contents
- 1 21 Most Famous Clarinet Players You Need to Hear
- 2 #1 Benny Goodman
- 3 #2 Artie Shaw
- 4 #3 Buddy DeFranco
- 5 #4 Sabine Meyer
- 6 #5 Richard Stoltzman
- 7 #6 Martin Fröst
- 8 #7 Giora Feidman
- 9 #8 Harold Wright
- 10 #9 Karl Leister
- 11 #10 David Shifrin
- 12 #11 Charles Neidich
- 13 #12 Sharon Kam
- 14 #13 Anthony McGill
- 15 #14 Stanley Drucker
- 16 #15 Reginald Kell
- 17 #16 Emma Johnson
- 18 #17 Gervase de Peyer
- 19 #18 Larry Combs
- 20 #19 Eddie Daniels
- 21 #20 Wenzel Fuchs
- 22 #21 Andrew Marriner
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
These clarinetists have made significant contributions to both classical and jazz music, and many are renowned for their performances, recordings, and influence on the next generation of musicians.
Here’s a list of 21 famous clarinet players known for their exceptional skill and contributions to music:
#1 Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman, born in 1909 in Chicago, is often referred to as the “King of Swing” and is one of the most influential clarinetists in the history of jazz. Goodman began his career as a classical clarinetist but soon made a name for himself in the jazz world, leading one of the most popular big bands of the Swing Era. His 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall is considered a landmark event in jazz history, bringing the genre to a broader audience and solidifying its place in American culture.
Goodman was not only a phenomenal player but also a pioneer in breaking racial barriers in music, working with African American musicians like Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton during a time of segregation. His technical mastery of the clarinet, combined with his ability to swing, made him a beloved figure in both the jazz and classical music communities. Goodman’s legacy continues to influence clarinetists and jazz musicians to this day.
#2 Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw, born in 1910 in New York City, was a renowned clarinetist and bandleader, known for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to big band jazz. Shaw’s career took off in the 1930s, and he quickly became one of the leading figures of the Swing Era, rivaling Benny Goodman in popularity. His hit recordings of “Begin the Beguine” and “Stardust” are still celebrated as some of the finest examples of big band music.
Shaw was known for his restless creativity and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles, including classical and folk influences. He was also an advocate for civil rights, hiring African American musicians like Billie Holiday at a time when integrated bands were rare. Despite his fame, Shaw often struggled with the pressures of the music industry and eventually retired from performing at the height of his career. Nevertheless, his contributions to jazz and the clarinet remain highly influential.
#3 Buddy DeFranco
Buddy DeFranco, born in 1923 in Camden, New Jersey, was a groundbreaking jazz clarinetist who helped transition the instrument from the Swing Era into the bebop era. DeFranco was one of the few clarinetists to successfully adapt the complex, fast-paced style of bebop, which was dominated by saxophonists and trumpeters. His technical prowess and innovative improvisation set a new standard for the clarinet in jazz.
Throughout his career, DeFranco performed with many of the jazz greats, including Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Charlie Parker. He also led his own bands and recorded extensively, leaving behind a rich legacy of bebop and post-bop recordings. DeFranco was awarded the prestigious NEA Jazz Masters award in 2006, recognizing his significant contributions to jazz. His influence on the clarinet in modern jazz is profound, and he remains a key figure in the instrument’s history.
#4 Sabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer, born in 1959 in Crailsheim, Germany, is one of the most celebrated classical clarinetists of her generation. Meyer first gained international attention when she became the first woman to join the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982, although her tenure there was short-lived due to controversy over her appointment. Despite this, Meyer went on to have a highly successful solo career, performing with leading orchestras and at major festivals around the world.
Meyer is known for her expressive playing, technical brilliance, and wide-ranging repertoire, which includes both classical and contemporary works. She has been a strong advocate for new music, premiering works by composers such as Luciano Berio and Jean Françaix. Meyer’s numerous recordings have received critical acclaim, and she has been awarded many prestigious honors, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Her contributions to the clarinet and to classical music have made her a role model for aspiring musicians.
#5 Richard Stoltzman
Richard Stoltzman, born in 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, is an American clarinetist known for his exceptional versatility and ability to cross musical genres. Stoltzman is celebrated not only as a classical soloist but also for his work in jazz and contemporary music. He was the first clarinetist to receive the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize in 1986, a testament to his groundbreaking career.
Stoltzman’s distinctive tone and emotive playing have made him a sought-after soloist, and he has performed with the world’s leading orchestras and chamber ensembles. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, from jazz pianists like Chick Corea to pop musicians like Billy Joel. Stoltzman’s extensive discography includes Grammy Award-winning recordings, and he has been a strong advocate for new music, premiering works by composers such as Steve Reich and Lukas Foss. His contributions to both classical and contemporary music have solidified his place as one of the most influential clarinetists of his time.
#6 Martin Fröst
Martin Fröst, born in 1970 in Uppsala, Sweden, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and virtuosic clarinetists of his generation. Fröst’s career began in the 1990s, and he quickly gained international acclaim for his technical brilliance, expressive range, and ability to push the boundaries of clarinet performance. He is known for his captivating stage presence and for incorporating elements of theater and choreography into his performances.
Fröst has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He has also been a champion of new music, commissioning and premiering works by contemporary composers such as Anders Hillborg and Krzysztof Penderecki. Fröst’s recordings have received numerous awards, and he has been honored with several prestigious accolades, including the Léonie Sonning Music Prize in 2014. His innovative approach to the clarinet has redefined what is possible on the instrument and has inspired a new generation of clarinetists.
#7 Giora Feidman
Giora Feidman, born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a world-renowned clarinetist best known for his interpretation of klezmer music, the traditional music of Eastern European Jews. Feidman’s parents were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, and his early exposure to klezmer music greatly influenced his career. He began his professional career as a member of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played for nearly two decades before dedicating himself to performing and promoting klezmer music worldwide.
Feidman’s playing is characterized by its soulful expressiveness and deep connection to the cultural roots of klezmer. He has performed around the world, bringing klezmer to new audiences and collaborating with artists across various genres, including classical, jazz, and world music. Feidman’s contribution to the revival and popularization of klezmer music is immeasurable, and he is often referred to as the “King of Klezmer.” His passion for music as a means of cultural and spiritual expression has made him a beloved figure in the global music community.
#8 Harold Wright
Harold Wright, born in 1926 in Wayne, Pennsylvania, was one of America’s most esteemed clarinetists, known for his long tenure as the principal clarinetist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Wright studied at the Curtis Institute of Music under the legendary Daniel Bonade and quickly rose to prominence in the classical music world. He served as principal clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra before joining the BSO in 1970, a position he held until his death in 1993.
Wright was celebrated for his warm, rich tone, impeccable technique, and profound musicality. His interpretations of the standard clarinet repertoire, particularly the works of Brahms and Mozart, were highly regarded and set a standard for clarinetists worldwide. Wright was also a dedicated teacher, mentoring many students who went on to have successful careers of their own. His legacy continues through his recordings and the many clarinetists he inspired during his distinguished career.
#9 Karl Leister
Karl Leister, born in 1937 in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, is a distinguished clarinetist known for his long association with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, where he served as principal clarinetist for over three decades. Leister began his professional career as a member of the orchestra of the Komische Oper Berlin before joining the Berlin Philharmonic in 1959 under the baton of Herbert von Karajan. His tenure with the orchestra was marked by numerous acclaimed performances and recordings, particularly of the German Romantic repertoire.
Leister is also known for his extensive work as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with many of the world’s leading conductors and ensembles. His recordings of the clarinet concertos by Mozart, Weber, and Brahms are considered definitive interpretations. In addition to his performing career, Leister has been an influential teacher, holding professorships at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin and other institutions. His contributions to the clarinet and to classical music have made him one of the most respected clarinetists of the 20th century.
#10 David Shifrin
David Shifrin, born in 1950 in Queens, New York, is an American clarinetist renowned for his versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Shifrin studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and quickly established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation. He has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Shifrin is also a highly regarded chamber musician, having collaborated with artists such as the Emerson String Quartet, the Tokyo String Quartet, and the Guarneri Quartet. He has served as the artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and has been a dedicated advocate for contemporary music, premiering works by composers such as John Corigliano and Aaron Jay Kernis. Shifrin’s contributions to the clarinet and to chamber music have earned him numerous accolades, including an Avery Fisher Career Grant and three Grammy nominations.
#11 Charles Neidich
Charles Neidich, born in 1953 in New York City, is an American clarinetist known for his exceptional technical skill, deep musical insight, and dedication to both classical and contemporary repertoire. Neidich studied at Yale University and the Juilliard School and later honed his craft in Germany. He has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Moscow Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.
Neidich is also a prolific recording artist, with a discography that includes the complete works for clarinet by Brahms, Weber, and Schumann. He is known for his advocacy of historical performance practices, often performing on period instruments, as well as his commitment to contemporary music, commissioning and premiering new works by modern composers. In addition to his performing career, Neidich is a highly respected teacher, holding faculty positions at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Aaron Copland School of Music. His influence as a performer, educator, and advocate for the clarinet is widely recognized.
#12 Sharon Kam
Sharon Kam, born in 1971 in Israel, is an internationally acclaimed clarinetist known for her technical brilliance, expressive playing, and diverse repertoire. Kam began her musical studies at a young age and quickly gained recognition as a prodigious talent. She studied with Sabine Meyer in Germany and won the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 1992, which launched her international career.
Kam has since performed with leading orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Israel Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the clarinet concertos of Mozart, Weber, and Nielsen, as well as her commitment to contemporary music. Kam’s discography includes numerous award-winning recordings, and she has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the ECHO Klassik. Her ability to combine technical precision with deep musical expression has made her one of the leading clarinetists of her generation.
#13 Anthony McGill
Anthony McGill, born in 1979 in Chicago, Illinois, is an American clarinetist who has gained widespread recognition as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. McGill is currently the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, a position he has held since 2014, making him the first African American principal player in the orchestra’s history. Before joining the New York Philharmonic, McGill served as principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
McGill is known for his rich tone, technical mastery, and versatility across a wide range of musical styles. He has performed as a soloist with many leading orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral work, McGill is an active chamber musician and educator, serving on the faculties of the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Peabody Institute. McGill’s contributions to music and his role as a trailblazer for African American musicians have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize.
#14 Stanley Drucker
Stanley Drucker, born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, is a legendary American clarinetist best known for his record-breaking tenure as the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic. Drucker joined the orchestra in 1948 at the age of 19 and served as principal clarinetist from 1960 until his retirement in 2009, making him one of the longest-serving members in the orchestra’s history. Throughout his remarkable career, Drucker performed in over 10,200 concerts with the New York Philharmonic, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest career as a clarinetist.
Drucker’s playing is celebrated for its brilliance, clarity, and expressive power. He was a featured soloist with the orchestra in numerous performances, including over 60 performances of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Drucker’s recordings with the New York Philharmonic, including works by Copland, Bernstein, and Nielsen, are considered definitive interpretations. In addition to his performing career, Drucker has been a dedicated teacher, mentoring many of today’s leading clarinetists. His contributions to the clarinet and his extraordinary career with the New York Philharmonic have earned him a place among the greatest clarinetists of all time.
#15 Reginald Kell
Reginald Kell, born in 1906 in York, England, was a pioneering British clarinetist renowned for his expressive playing and contributions to the development of modern clarinet technique. Kell was one of the first clarinetists to employ continuous vibrato in his playing, which added a new dimension of warmth and expressiveness to the instrument’s sound. He was a principal clarinetist with several leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Kell was also an accomplished soloist and chamber musician, with notable collaborations including the formation of the Kell String Quartet. He made numerous recordings, many of which are still regarded as benchmarks of the clarinet repertoire, particularly his interpretations of Brahms, Mozart, and Weber. Kell’s innovative approach to the clarinet and his influence as a teacher, with students like Benny Goodman and Anthony Gigliotti, have left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.
#16 Emma Johnson
Emma Johnson, born in 1966 in London, England, is a British clarinetist who gained international acclaim after winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 1984. This victory catapulted her into the spotlight, and she quickly established herself as one of the leading clarinetists of her generation. Johnson’s career has been marked by a commitment to expanding the clarinet’s repertoire, including commissioning new works and arranging pieces from other genres for the instrument.
Johnson has performed as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a prolific recording artist, with numerous albums that have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Her ability to communicate with audiences through her warm, expressive playing has made her a beloved figure in the classical music world. In addition to her performing career, Johnson is also an author and educator, contributing to the development of young clarinetists.
#17 Gervase de Peyer
Gervase de Peyer, born in 1926 in London, England, was a distinguished British clarinetist known for his long and successful career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. De Peyer was the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years, from 1956 to 1986, during which time he gained a reputation for his virtuosic playing and deep musicality. His interpretations of the classical and romantic clarinet repertoire, particularly the works of Mozart, Brahms, and Weber, were highly regarded.
In addition to his orchestral work, de Peyer was a founding member of the Melos Ensemble, a chamber group with which he made numerous landmark recordings. His contribution to chamber music, including his performances of works by Brahms, Schumann, and Reger, is widely respected. De Peyer was also active as a conductor and teacher, influencing generations of clarinetists through his performances and mentorship. His legacy as one of the 20th century’s leading clarinetists is well established.
#18 Larry Combs
Larry Combs, born in 1943 in South Charleston, West Virginia, is an American clarinetist best known for his long tenure as the principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), a position he held from 1978 to 2008. Combs’ playing is celebrated for its technical brilliance, rich tone, and musical sensitivity, making him one of the most respected clarinetists in the orchestral world. Under the batons of renowned conductors like Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti, Combs contributed to many of the CSO’s acclaimed recordings.
Combs is also an accomplished chamber musician and was a founding member of the Chicago Chamber Musicians, a group that became known for its high level of performance and adventurous programming. His contributions to chamber music, as well as his performances of the major clarinet concertos by Mozart, Nielsen, and Copland, have been widely praised. Combs has also been an influential teacher, mentoring many students who have gone on to successful careers. His impact on the clarinet world, particularly in the United States, is profound.
#19 Eddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels, born in 1941 in New York City, is an American clarinetist known for his exceptional skill in both classical and jazz genres. Daniels first gained recognition as a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist in the 1960s, performing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and other leading jazz ensembles. He is celebrated for his virtuosic technique, improvisational brilliance, and ability to seamlessly blend jazz and classical elements in his playing.
Daniels has recorded extensively across both genres, earning numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards and nominations. His groundbreaking albums, such as Breakthrough and Memos from Paradise, showcase his ability to navigate complex jazz improvisations and classical compositions with equal mastery. Daniels has been a significant figure in elevating the clarinet’s presence in the jazz world, and his contributions to both jazz and classical music have earned him a place among the most versatile and innovative clarinetists of his time.
#20 Wenzel Fuchs
Wenzel Fuchs, born in 1963 in Innsbruck, Austria, is an acclaimed Austrian clarinetist known for his role as the principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the world’s leading orchestras. Fuchs studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and quickly established himself as a leading clarinetist in Europe. Before joining the Berlin Philharmonic in 1993, he held principal clarinet positions with the Vienna Volksoper and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Fuchs is celebrated for his impeccable technique, rich tone, and deep musical understanding, making him a standout performer in both orchestral and solo settings. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide and is also an active chamber musician, collaborating with renowned ensembles and artists. In addition to his performing career, Fuchs is a dedicated educator, holding teaching positions at the Berlin University of the Arts and the Salzburg Mozarteum. His influence on the next generation of clarinetists and his contributions to the Berlin Philharmonic’s renowned sound are widely recognized.
#21 Andrew Marriner
Andrew Marriner, born in 1954 in London, England, is a British clarinetist known for his distinguished career as the principal clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) from 1986 to 2019. Marriner is the son of the famous conductor Sir Neville Marriner, and he grew up in a musical environment that shaped his approach to the clarinet. He studied at the Royal College of Music and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain before embarking on a successful career as both a soloist and orchestral player.
Marriner’s playing is characterized by its elegance, precision, and expressive depth, making him one of the leading clarinetists of his generation. He has performed as a soloist with the LSO and other major orchestras and has an extensive discography that includes recordings of the major clarinet concertos and chamber works. Marriner has also been active as a chamber musician, performing with leading ensembles and at prestigious festivals worldwide. His contributions to the clarinet, particularly through his work with the LSO, have earned him widespread acclaim and respect in the classical music world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Benny Goodman a significant figure in the history of jazz clarinet?
Benny Goodman, known as the “King of Swing,” was pivotal in popularizing jazz clarinet during the Swing Era, leading one of the most successful big bands of the time. His technical mastery and innovative style helped bring jazz into the mainstream, making him an iconic figure in American music.
How did Sabine Meyer influence the role of women in classical music?
Sabine Meyer broke barriers as the first female clarinetist to join the Berlin Philharmonic, paving the way for future generations of women in classical music. Her exceptional talent and successful solo career have made her a role model for aspiring female musicians.
What contributions did Giora Feidman make to klezmer music?
Giora Feidman is renowned for his role in reviving and popularizing klezmer music, bringing it to international audiences with his expressive and soulful clarinet playing. His work has preserved and celebrated Jewish musical heritage, earning him the title “King of Klezmer.”
Why is Stanley Drucker considered a legendary figure in the clarinet world?
Stanley Drucker had an extraordinary 60-year tenure with the New York Philharmonic, where he performed over 10,200 concerts, setting a Guinness World Record. His unparalleled career and influential recordings have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest clarinetists in history.
