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Alan Balter, clarinetist

Author: DAVE
Date: 2016-01-27 20:14

I wonder if any of you guys knew of Alan Balter who played with the Atlanta Symphony and later conducted the Memphis Symphony. He was an amazing clarinetist whom I had the opportunity to play in a few masterclasses for. His gentle nature and teaching ability was life changing for me. I haven't thought about him in a while and thought to look him up on Youtube.

I think you'll all agree that this man possessed an absolutely gorgeous tone and musicianship, among the best you've ever heard. This is from a live performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJydzNKvOQk

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Re: Alan Balter, clarinetist

Author: dgclarinet
Date: 2016-01-29 17:52

Dave...I studied with Alan Balter when I was in high school. I then went to Georgia State to study with him, but he left Atlanta the same year. Thank you so much for pointing out that youtube recording.
I would agree with you about the life changing (or at least clarinet life changing) aspect of studying with him. He would take my horn in lessons, with my awful mouthpiece and reed, and make the most incredibly beautiful sounds I ever heard. So inspiring. His playing with the Atlanta Symphony was just as inspiring. He had a huge sound...not really evident in recordings, but it was there in real life.
I still hear his sound every time I play the horn. I just wish I could come close to that sound.

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Re: Alan Balter, clarinetist

Author: Chetclarinet
Date: 2016-01-29 18:54

I attended the National Music Camp, Interlochen Michigan, with Alan Balter as a high school clarinetist in 1962. He was a graduating senior, and on his way to Oberlin Conservatory. Alan was a brilliant young clarinetist even then, and I was thrilled to be in the same Concert band with him. Alan was such a class act, and a fine person.

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Re: Alan Balter, clarinetist

Author: DAVE
Date: 2016-01-30 02:38

I'm so glad this post actually got some attention. Even without ever knowing Alan, the playing in that clip is simply outstanding.

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