Larry Combs and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Monday YouTube Fix
Andrew Hitz
Larry Combs was the principal clarinetist for the Chicago Symphony for three decades and is considered one of the all-time greats. He was appointed principal clarinet by Sir Georg Solti in 1978 and stepped down in 2008.
Here he is a recording of him performing Aaron Copland's "Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra" with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Leinsdorf. This recording is from 1979, his second year in the orchestra.
The two things that jump out at me about his playing are his sound and his dynamic range. The consistency of both offer me examples to strive for in my own playing.
Enjoy!