With its warm timbre and wide range, the clarinet is a highly popular instrument across many genres, including concert band, classical, and jazz.
Another hallmark of the clarinet is its versatility: it adapts to a variety of performance settings, from ensembles to solo playing.
Many people may have first learned of the instrument through the well-known children’s song “I Broke My Clarinet.”
In this article, we’ve gathered notable clarinetists from around the world who are active in classical and jazz.
Read on, and the clarinet might start to feel even more familiar to you.
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Famous Clarinetists of the World — From Classical to Jazz (1–10)
Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op. 73 / Carl Maria von WeberSabine Meyer
Sabine Meyer, the younger sister of Wolfgang Meyer—the German clarinetist who also served as a professor and president of the Karlsruhe University of Music—is herself a globally renowned clarinetist.
Known as the queen of the clarinet for her exquisitely refined and gentle tone, Sabine was, in fact, once invited by the legendary Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan to join the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic, only to be rejected due to opposition from the orchestra.
The incident eventually escalated to the point of creating a deep rift between Karajan and the ensemble, which must have been extremely distressing for Sabine herself.
That said, although the circumstances were far from ideal, the episode raised her profile, and—as mentioned at the outset—she went on to flourish as a soloist and become one of the world’s leading clarinetists.
Beyond classical music, she has also showcased her versatility by releasing jazz-leaning albums.
Be sure to explore Sabine Meyer’s diverse body of work!
Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, Movement I / Wolfgang Amadeus MozartKarl Leister
Karl Leister, who performed for many years as the solo clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic under the baton of Herbert von Karajan, is one of the world’s most renowned clarinetists.
He is known for his flawless technique—so perfect that some have even called it lacking in human warmth—but his achievements extend far beyond his work as a performer.
He helped educate young musicians at the Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic, was an honorary member and visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music in London, and served as a professor at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin, leaving a significant legacy in the history of classical music.
Even after turning eighty, Leister continued to perform energetically, including tours to Japan.
If you’re interested in his artistry, a great place to start is the best-of album he personally curated, “Karl Leister King of Clarinet,” released in 2012—an opportunity to experience the truly regal performances of the “King of the Clarinet,” just as the title suggests.
Two Concert Pieces No. 1, Op. 113 / Felix MendelssohnAndreas Ottensamer
Born in 1989, the Austrian star clarinetist Andreas Ottensamer comes from an elite musical family of clarinetists: his father Ernst was principal clarinet of the Vienna Philharmonic, and his older brother Daniel also serves as a principal in the same orchestra.
With looks that have even led to modeling work, he exudes star quality.
From a young age he performed as a clarinetist with many renowned orchestras and, at just 22, was appointed principal clarinet of the prestigious Berlin Philharmonic.
He has also won music competitions playing instruments such as the cello and piano.
Many people may have become interested in the clarinet and classical music through Andreas’s works, which demonstrate solid skill and talent that fully match his illustrious pedigree.
As mentioned at the outset, he is also well known for performing with his family—Ernst and Daniel—in the clarinet ensemble “The Clarinotts.” In addition, attention has been drawn to his genre-crossing activities, such as participating on an album by the great American singer-songwriter Tori Amos.
Rhapsody in Blue / George GershwinAlessandro Carbonare
Alessandro Carbonare is an immensely popular clarinetist who, though Italian, served as principal clarinet of the Orchestre National de France for 15 years and has been the principal player of the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia since 2003.
Born in 1967 in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, Carbonare took to the clarinet from an early age.
After graduating at the top of his class from the Verona Conservatory, he studied under renowned clarinetists and rose to prominence—especially in Europe—as one of the most accomplished young solo clarinetists.
Invited by the world-famous conductor Claudio Abbado, he performed with orchestras under Abbado’s baton, and thanks to his exceptional talent, he is regarded as one of the most noteworthy clarinetists in contemporary classical music.
He visits Japan regularly, and his 2010 performance with pianist Aki Kuroda was released as “Live in Tokyo.” Many of you may have attended his concerts and been overwhelmed by his dazzling technique.
Clarinet Sonata FP 184, 3rd movement / Francis Jean Marcel PoulencPaul Meyer
Paul Meyer, a world-renowned clarinet soloist and chamber musician, is a French clarinetist born in 1965 in Mulhouse, Alsace.
He launched his solo career at the young age of 13 with an orchestral debut, studied at the Paris Conservatoire and the Basel Music Academy, and won numerous competitions both in France and abroad.
In 1984, he took top honors at the Young Concert Artists competition in New York, cementing his reputation as a youthful prodigy.
Since then, he has performed with many prestigious orchestras and in chamber settings, and composers captivated by his refined yet richly sonorous tone—underpinned by his outstanding technique—have dedicated works to him, leading to many premiere performances.
Meyer’s repertoire spans widely, from the Classical and Romantic eras to the music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
In addition to his profile as a clarinetist, his conducting career has also drawn attention; from 2010 to 2012, he served as Principal Conductor of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.
Sing Sing Sing／Louis PrimaBenny Goodman
When it comes to clarinetists who symbolize the swing jazz era, there is no one but him.
Born into a poor immigrant family, he received free musical education and made his debut at the age of eleven—he must have been extraordinarily gifted.
In 1932, he formed the Benny Goodman Orchestra and released hits such as the still-beloved “Sing, Sing, Sing.” He also excelled in classical music, leaving behind numerous superb performances, so be sure to listen to those as well.
Rapsodie No. 1 / Claude DebussyIstván Kohán
István Kohán is a clarinetist from Hungary.
With his exceptional technique and rich expressiveness, he is regarded as one of the most notable international wind soloists.
After winning first prize at the 9th International Clarinet Competition held in Tokyo in 2013, he quickly rose to prominence.
He excels in works by French Impressionist composers and has earned widespread acclaim particularly for his performances of Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie.
In addition to his career as a soloist, he is active in chamber music and as a member of orchestras.
With his delicate tone and profound expressiveness, he captivates listeners.