Louis DeSantis

REDISCOVERING LOUIS DeSANTIS

Question:
What recordings do you feel are prime listening in the development of the clarinetist ?
Robert Marcellus:
Unfortunately, these recordings are no longer available. But it is interesting to trace the lineage of a beautiful clarinet sound.........I think there are a lot of fine clarinet players and a lot of fine clarinet tones. But I don’t think there is anything to compare with a Bonade or a young McGinnis or McLane. That kind or beauty just doesn’t seem to exist. (a)

What an incredibly provocative statement ! One is compelled to find these recordings and listen. Today that is easier than it was ten years ago. Of course it is useless to try to describe these sounds, like trying to describe chocolate or strawberries. One has to hear them, to experience them. I remember hearing Harold Wright “live” for the first time and being totally amazed at the three dimentional quality of his sound. His recorded sound could be gorgeous, but “live” it was another experience. The dilemma with recorded sound is that it is a kind of shadow or silhouette, even today, and especially in the 78rpm era. Continue reading...