clarinetists

Clarinetists are musicians who perform on the clarinet, a family of woodwind instruments with a single-reed mouthpiece and a wide range of pitch. The standard modern instrument is the B-flat clarinet, with A clarinets commonly used for tuning and orchestral literature. Larger members of the family include the bass clarinet and the contrabass clarinet. Most contemporary clarinets are built on the Boehm key system and made from grenadilla wood or synthetic materials.

Roles and repertoire: Clarinetists appear in orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, jazz bands, film scores, and as soloists. They contribute to classical repertoire from Baroque to contemporary, and to jazz and popular styles. In classical settings, the clarinet often carries a lyrical or virtuosic line, bridging cello-like low register and bright upper register; in jazz, players explore improvisation and swing idioms.

Training and technique: Becoming a professional clarinetist typically involves extensive study at conservatories or universities, private lessons, and participation in ensembles, orchestras, and chamber groups. Mastery of embouchure, articulation, fingering, breath support, vibrato, and endurance is developed through practice and performance experience. Clarinetists may specialize in a particular repertoire or in multiple genres.

Notable clarinetists include: Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw (jazz); Martin Fröst, Sabine Meyer, Karl Leister, Richard Stoltzman, Anthony McGill (classical); Paquito D'Rivera (jazz and classical); Giora Feidman (klezmer).