Artistry of Clarinetist Ralph McLane

Really interesting to have this reference.

Ralph McLane was, in my opinion, the greatest orchestral clarinetist of the 20th century. Harold Wright, my teacher, played in a very similar way with the sweetest of sounds and the most even tone throughout the clarinet's registrations. But McLane somehow managed to play louder than Mr. Wright when it was called for. (One of the things that is hardest to do utilizing the double lip embouchure.) Also, Mr. McLane's musicality is awe-inspiring. He could do so very much with a phrase and shows it magnificently on this disc. Any clarinetist worth anything must get to know Mr. McLane's playing and use it as a template for all that can be achieved in the midst of a great orchestra.