|
Overview In the endless stream of mouthpieces, barrels, and computer generated models hoping to solve the tonal problem of French Boehm-system clarinets, only one instrument has achieved the degree of excellence necessary to become permanent: the Wurlitzer Reform-Boehm Clarinet. Before this system was developed, the tonal beauty of the German bore remained isolated from the technical facility of the finest French instruments. Yet over half a century ago, this problem was solved in Erlbach, Germany, when Fritz Wurlitzer’s insight and artistry perfected the design of the Wurlitzer Reform-Boehm. With this innovation a tradition was born, to be continued in Neustadt an der Aisch by Fritz’s son, Herbert Wurlitzer, whose work was to gain international prestige as the instruments of choice for two of the most celebrated and legendary orchestras in history: the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. The Wurlitzer achievement was astonishing, for it depended upon the perfection of two different systems: the traditional German system being played in Berlin, while the innovative Reform-Boehm became the highest standard in Amsterdam, where it remains the only instrument capable of the power, tonal beauty, facility and flexibility to satisfy the expressive needs of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s clarinet section. For decades it was nearly impossible for an American clarinetist to acquire one of these instruments. But now, for the first time in history, the Wurlitzer Reform-Boehm is easily available to American clarinetists through Wurlitzer Clarinets America. Wurlitzer Clarinets America was founded in 2010, entrusted to the direction of Dr. Charles Stier, whose expertise and experience with these fine instruments inspired the Wurlitzer family to personally select him for this unprecedented task. Dr. Stier’s career of teaching, performing, recording and his insightful decades of dedication to the artistic goals of the Wurltizer family make him uniquely qualified to bring these instruments to the American clarinetist. The Wurlitzer clarinet is more than an instrument, more than the idea of a single master craftsman: it represents the expression of a family whose dedication and genius for instrument making spans several centuries, and has no parallel for expertise, innovation, and dedication in the history of the clarinet. Wurlitzer Clarinets America is here at last, making the Reform-Boehm available with greater ease to the American clarinetist in search of a more natural, powerful sound for the player who is ready to take instrumental artistry to a level not possible on assembly-line clarinets. Natural. Powerful. WURLITZER. |
 |