Klarinet Archive - Posting 000273.txt from 1994/10

From: "Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.EDU>
Subj: National styles
Date: Sat, 22 Oct 1994 15:28:34 -0400

Chris is interested in the names of famous clarinetists from a variety of
countries. You might be interested in reading the book Clarinet Virtuosi of
the Past by Pamela Weston (and a second volume called "More Clarinet
Virtuosi of the Past also by Pamela). That will describe players from a
variety of geographies all of whom have brief biographies given.

Today, there are a number of wonderful players in almost any country you
might visit. In England, the clarinettist of his generation was Jack
Brymer who may still be playing. But the younger crop, including Tony
Pay, Alan Hacker, and Thea King are exciting, too.

In Germany there is Sabine Meyer. Astounding player. First in Berlin
is splendid and first in Munich.

In Austria there was the great Leopold Wlach but he has been dead for
many years now.

Italy, I am sorry to say, has not turned out any really world-class
players who I have heard since Gino Cioffi who has been dead for a
number of years. Also true for Spain.

The Netherlands has (or used to have) a wonderful first in the
Concertgebow. I presume he is still there.

Probably at least 2 dozen other great players (maybe more) that I
just don't know of because I don't keep up with it.

The former iron curtain countries are a mystery to me. I don't know
anyone there though I have heard that the first desk players in
Moscow and Leningrad are as good as anyone in the world. We just
don't hear them much here.

Also, the players of Australia are not well known in the U.S.

This leaves France where the average graduate of the Paris conservatory
would stike fear in the heart of many American players, so remarkably
trained are they. They play anything. They read anything. They have
technique that would burn holes in rugs. It is scary. The great
Delecluse and Louis Cahuzac were the main players of their generation
and they were marvellous to hear. I met Delecluse in the Selmer store
in Paris in 1962 and he was trying out horns. Nothing that he played
sounded bad. A simple scale was an art form. Talk about training!!!

====================================
Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
(leeson@-----.edu)
(leeson@-----.edu)
(dnl2073@-----.edu)
Any of the above three addresses may be used. Take your pick.
====================================