It is with great sadness that Clarinet Classics announces
the recent death of Alan Hacker (1938 – 2012)

"Alan’s revolutionary and unique approach to the clarinet profoundly influenced composers including Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle, completely transforming how they wrote for the clarinet. Alan managed to extend every boundary of range and extended techniques!

As a regular attendee of all the Fires of London concerts at the South Bank in the 70s and 80s, I discovered my love of contemporary repertoire from hearing Alan; he opened my eyes and ears to what the clarinet was capable of. His commitment to early instruments and medieval transcriptions, often played within Fires of London concerts, was also apparent.

The breadth of his knowledge and his inspirational performances of both early and contemporary works has left clarinet players with a legacy to which we will all be indebted."

Victoria Soames Samek - Artistic Director, Clarinet Classics

Some of Alan Hacker's landmark performances can be heard on "A Portrait of Alan Hacker" (CC0052), a CD which also includes a personal note from Alan. Full details are here.

As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, Clarinet Classics is delighted to release Clarinet Chamber Music by Paul Harris – A Musical Celebration.

Paul Harris is well-known internationally as a composer and writer, with over 600 publications to his name. This world-premiere recording brings together a unique selection from both his serious and light-hearted compositions. The CD is rich in lyrical and melodic content, including a variety of instrumentation and enjoying the additional bonus of voice and narrator.