Klarinet Archive - Posting 000114.txt from 1995/10

From: Michelle Cheramy <mcheramy@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Karl Leister
Date: Fri, 6 Oct 1995 10:49:48 -0400

Hi Carolyn et al-

Someone has already posted the info on the Clarinet magazine profile, and
mentioned Pamela Weston's books. To be more precise, Leister is in
"Clarinet Virtuosi of Today", published by Egon (Royston Rd, Baldock,
Hertfordshire SG7 6NW, England), ISBN 0 905858. A few random excerpts:

Leister has taught at the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Phil since 1974,
and as visiting teacher at the Royal Academy in London since 1987. "He
tells students to forget they are playing a clarinet and to perform as if
they were a singer."
"Karl uses narrow-bore Wurlitzers and a mouthpiece with a long narrow
lay. He used to blow Gebhard Steuer reeds which he adjusted considerably,
but in 1981 changed to Vandoren."
"In his first years he was always playing for money, now he says he has
the need to listen more to the heart. 'It is not just that I play the
clarinet, it is the whole of my being, my soul that vibrates.' "

NB- I don't mean to imply by putting those two quotes together that in order
for your soul to vibrate, you have to play Wurlitzers with Vandoren
reeds. ;-)

On Thu, 5 Oct 1995, Carolyn Kavan wrote:

> I've been assigned by my teacher to write a short, informative essay on
> Karl Leister of the Berlin Philharmonic. Unfortunately, I have been
> unable to locate any information on him at all. Can any of you tell me
> anything about Mr. Leister? Even the most basic stats would be very
> helpful, such as place of birth, and where and with whom he studied. Or
> is there a good reference book I could get that would have this info?
>
> Any help with this would be much appreciated--thanks!
>
> Carolyn
> ckavan@-----.edu
>