N.Y. Philharmonic Bids Farewell To Clarinetist

[Franco]

Morning Edition, June 2, 2009 - Anyone who has listened to a recording of the New York Philharmonic, or seen the orchestra live or on TV, has definitely heard first clarinetist Stanley Drucker.

That's because Drucker has played with the Philharmonic for the past 60 years, or nearly one-third of the orchestra's history. When he retires at the end of June, he will have played in more than 10,200 concerts. And Drucker will be going out with a bang, including with one of his signature pieces, the Clarinet Concerto by Aaron Copland.

RTRH

I am aware of at least two clarinetists among the GMG crowd - any Stanley Drucker memories or stories you wish to share?

[Joe Barron]

Well, Bruce and Mark Simon and I last saw Drucker play Carter's new song cycle, the Louis Zukofsky Poems and the Clarinet Quintet, last December in NYC. It was that small penthouse venue at Lincoln Center --- Bruce will remember the name of the theater --- and the first time we met Carter face to face after the big birthday blowout at Carnegie. Drucker was flawless, and very friendly when I approached hm after the rectial. I mentioned his recording of the Nielsen Concerto, which is a favorite of mine: both the piece and the recording. A great, great musicians. This is truly the end of a golden era.

[bhodges]

Well, Bruce and Mark Simon and I last saw Drucker play Carter's new song cycle, the Louis Zukofsky Poems and the Clarinet Quintet, last December in NYC. It was that small penthouse venue at Lincoln Center --- Bruce will remember the name of the theater --- and the first time we met Carter face to face after the big birthday blowout at Carnegie. Drucker was flawless, and very friendly when I approached hm after the rectial. I mentioned his recording of the Nielsen Concerto, which is a favorite of mine: both the piece and the recording. A great, great musicians. This is truly the end of a golden era.

That would be the Kaplan Penthouse, an inviting place to hear anything because it is relatively small. 

I am planning to hear one of the concerts with Drucker playing the Copland, and will report back. 

--Bruce

[secondwind]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/arts/music/05druc.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Stanley%20Drucker&st=cse

This article explains the secret of Drucker's success:  He had the "magic mouthpiece,"  a mouthpiece he bought in 1948 from Leon Russianoff (for $6) and still plays. 

[jochanaan]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/arts/music/05druc.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Stanley%20Drucker&st=cse

This article explains the secret of Drucker's success:  He had the "magic mouthpiece,"  a mouthpiece he bought in 1948 from Leon Russianoff (for $6) and still plays. 

That's one advantage clarinetists have over oboists: We sure can't stay with the same "mouthpiece" throughout our careers!