Back in May, Sarah-Flute asked the forum which flautists they liked/admired. I'm wondering which clarinettists people like/admire. For me, I'll list three - Sabine Meyer (lovely tone, technically very adept), Benny Goodman (probably one of the most versatile clarinet players there's ever been, he was an excellent 'classical' player as well as jazz musician), and Emma Johnson (who won the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1984, when I'd been playing clari for about 18 months. I remember watching the final, and thinking she was so, so good. She inspired me so much in my formative years as a clarinettist, and I still think she's such a good musician.)

How about everyone else here?

How can you forget Michael Collins?

I could list a quite frankly enormous list of clarinettists, but I'd be here so long, I think there'd be cobwebs hanging from me by the time I'd finished writing the post!

Yes, Michael Collins is a fine musician!

<re-instates barry-clari onto Christmas card list>

I performed in a concert where Jack Brymer performed too and he was excellent.

Besides those already mentioned, I love Sharon Kam, Antony Pay (who regularly trawls certain clarinet forums) and Robert Plane. There are also some fantastic US clarinettists too.

Absolutely my favourite . Could even be described as a clarinet genius. Rose to stardom from a poor background in the ghettos of America, which has to be an inspiration to those thinking their own background will hinder their musical progress.

I think I've got almost all of his recordings.

Er...well, I'm not a clarinettist, but one of my earliest memories is of Acker Bilk playing "Stranger on the Shore". And it was magic.


So that's my vote - Acker Bilk

*starts creeping out quietly, prepared to run like mad if necessary....*

Heard Acker live before, many years ago. A good jazz clarinettist he is, too.

So you can stop running, Katyjay!

Emma Johnson gets my vote - she did a concert in my humble home town once and I remember being amazed at her magnificence! I have a signed tape somewhere...

Philipe Cuper and James Campbell and many others...

David Campbell!

Can I add a vote for Andrew Marriner please?

Emma Johnson wins hands down anyday. She is amazing

Ernst Ottensamer!

I dunt know many clarinettist, but I heard the Acker Bilk's' CD, it was great. Just hoping that I can get more clarinettist's CD... Cause, not many Clarinettist's recording available in Malaysia...

Yes, he's terrific too. Have you heard the recently released recording he made with his father (Neville), of the Mozart concerto and the quintet?? Extremely lyrical playing, but then Andrew seems to add a touch of magic to whatever he plays, even in the LSO.

Big up for Andrew Marriner. I agree completely Amanda. My favourite is probably Max Martin of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. His Mozart Concerto especially is gobsmackingly good. Truly has to be heard, can't possibly be described. Also love Ernst Ottensammer, Ronald Van Spaedonck, Emma Johnson, Victoria Soames. I like Julian Bliss as well, and not just because he is young. That standard at any professional level would be incredible, but being only 16 makes it all the more impressive.