(headline image: MVRVMV Bb clarinet, ebony)
The clarinet is a versatile wind instrument that has been a staple in various genres of music for centuries. From western classical orchestras and jazz bands to folk music and new age, the clarinet’s rich and expressive sound has endeared it to musicians and audiences alike.
In terms of history, the clarinet dates back to the early 18th century. It evolved from earlier single-reed instruments and underwent significant development in the hands of renowned instrument makers such as Johann Christoph Denner. Over time, the clarinet’s design was refined, leading to the establishment of the modern clarinet family, which includes the Bb clarinet, the A clarinet, the bass clarinet, and the contrabass clarinet.
The clarinet is a cylindrical bore instrument typically made of African blackwood, although modern variations can also be found in plastic or composite materials. It consists of five main parts: the mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell. The mouthpiece is fitted with a single reed, which is responsible for producing sound when air is blown through it. The instrument’s complex key system allows for a wide range of notes and tonal variations.
Learning to play the clarinet requires dedication and practice. Players must master proper embouchure, breath control, and finger placement to produce a clear and resonant tone. The instrument’s versatile range allows for expressive melodies, agile runs, and dynamic articulations. Clarinetists use a combination of air pressure and finger dexterity to navigate the instrument’s extensive range, which spans over three octaves.
Throughout history, numerous clarinet virtuosos have left an indelible mark on the world of music. From classical maestros like Anton Stadler and Richard Mühlfeld to jazz icons such as Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, Buddy DeFranco, Artie Shaw and Irving Fazola, the clarinet has been championed by a diverse array of musicians.
Prominent clarinetists in the western classical music field include Richard Stoltzman (USA), Martin Fröst (Sweden); Sabine Meyer (Germany), and Sharon Kam (Israel-Germany).
Distinguished jazz players: Eddie Daniels (USA), Paquito D’Rivera (Cuba/USA), Doreen Ketchens (USA), Ken Peplowski (USA), and Anat Cohen (Israel).
Leading clarinetists in the world music arena include Ivo Papasov (Bulgaria), Georgi Koev (Bulgaria), Hüsnü Senlendirici (Turkey), Vasilios Saleas (Greece), Ramazan Sesler (Turkey), Stavros Pazarentsis (Greece); Slobodan Trkulja (Serbia); Sergiu Balutel (Moldova); Oguz Büyükberber (Turkey); Orlin Pamukov (Bulgaria); Claudio Puntin (Switzerland); Steffen Schorn (Germany), Clarinet Factory (Czechia), and Jaffer Hussain (Pakistan).
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.