Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Franklin Cohen is a renowned clarinetist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on July 16, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, Cohen grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Julian Cohen, was a clarinetist with the New York Philharmonic, and his mother, Elaine, was a pianist. Cohen's older brother, Harold, is also a clarinetist and has played with the Cleveland Orchestra. Cohen began playing the clarinet at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with his father and later with Leon Russianoff, a renowned clarinet teacher. Cohen attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with Joseph Allard and David Weber. In 1976, Cohen joined the Cleveland Orchestra as principal clarinetist, a position he held for 39 years until his retirement in 2015. During his tenure with the orchestra, Cohen became known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to blend seamlessly with the other musicians. He was also a mentor to many young musicians and was known for his generosity and kindness. Cohen has performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed at major music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Marlboro Music Festival. One of Cohen's most memorable performances was his solo performance of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Cleveland Orchestra in 1978. The performance was recorded and released on the Telarc label, and it quickly became one of the best-selling classical recordings of all time. Cohen's interpretation of the concerto is considered by many to be the definitive version of the piece. Cohen has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2009, he was awarded the Cleveland Arts Prize for Music, and in 2011, he was inducted into the Cleveland International Piano Competition's Hall of Fame. He has also been a guest lecturer at many universities and music schools, including the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. In addition to his work as a performer, Cohen is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians. Cohen's retirement from the Cleveland Orchestra in 2015 was a bittersweet moment for the classical music world. He had been a fixture in the orchestra for nearly four decades, and his playing had become synonymous with the sound of the Cleveland Orchestra. However, his retirement also marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He continues to perform as a soloist and chamber musician and is in high demand as a guest artist with orchestras around the world. In conclusion, Franklin Cohen is a true legend in the world of classical music. His virtuosic playing, his dedication to teaching, and his contributions to the Cleveland Orchestra have made him one of the most respected and beloved musicians of his generation. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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