Robert Marcellus (1928-1996) represented the highest level of artistry in orchestral clarinet playing. His career spanned a period when orchestral clarinet playing in America had reached a zenith as represented by giants such as Daniel Bonade, Ralph McLane, Anthony Gigliotti, Clark Brody, Stanley Drucker, Robert McGinnis, Iggy Gennusa, Gino Cioffi and Harold Wright. Robert Marcellus was also a master teacher and was the head of the clarinet department for many years at Northwestern University. His longtime student and lifelong friend, jazz clarinet great Dr. Ron Odrich, has put together a video aided by the talents of the superb repair technician, Tomoji Hirakata. In it, they examine the famous Buffet clarinets, Kaspar mouthpieces, Morré reeds and Bonade ligature that have become legendary in trying to recreate the Marcellus sound. Dr. Odrich also recounts many personal and musical anecdotes from his relationship with Mr. Marcellus. Enjoy this moving tribute to one of the great instrumentalists of the 20th Century.
To listen to Robert Marcellus teach and demonstrate his musical thoughts, please visit the Northwestern University site at: https://dc.library.northwestern.edu/collections/48cefdba-c111-4a6a-8d40-98ba7986e2d6
An Interview with Robert Marcellus can be accessed by visiting: https://www.joffewoodwinds.com/articles/robert-marcellus-thoughts-on-performing-teaching
To listen to Dr. Ron Odrich discuss his life and music, please visit: https://www.joffewoodwinds.com/videos/dr-ron-odrich-renaissance-man