Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Rune Most was a Danish classical clarinetist who was born on August 8, 1922, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the son of a clarinetist and a pianist, and he began playing the clarinet at a young age. Most's father was his first teacher, and he quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Most's early musical education was at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, where he studied with Aage Oxenvad. He graduated in 1942 and went on to study with the renowned clarinetist Louis Cahuzac in Paris. Most's time in Paris was a formative period in his career, and he was greatly influenced by Cahuzac's playing style. After returning to Denmark, Most began performing with the Royal Danish Orchestra, where he quickly established himself as one of the country's leading clarinetists. He also began teaching at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where he would remain for over 30 years. Most's career as a soloist began in the 1950s, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the world's leading clarinetists. He performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. One of Most's most notable performances was his 1958 performance of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Herbert von Karajan. The performance was widely praised, and it helped to establish Most as one of the world's leading interpreters of Mozart's music. Most was also a prolific recording artist, and he recorded many of the major works for clarinet. His recordings of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Brahms' Clarinet Quintet are considered to be some of the definitive recordings of these works. In addition to his performing and recording career, Most was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Music for over 30 years, and many of his students went on to have successful careers as clarinetists. Most's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with many awards and honors. He was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog, one of Denmark's highest honors, in 1967. He was also awarded the Carl Nielsen Prize in 1972, and the Sonning Prize in 1980. Most continued to perform and teach until his death on December 13, 1998. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest clarinetists of the 20th century, and his recordings and performances continue to be celebrated by classical music enthusiasts around the world.

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