In 2019 Dawn Linebarrier made an amazing list of inspirational clarinet works and recordings.
Link here:
https://www.lessonface.com/forums/woodwinds/107496-ten-clarinet-tracks-inspire-every-clarinetist
Here's my list!
1) Martin Fröst – Saint Saëns Sonata
Revelation: how “easy” music can be played in such an arresting and captivating way. I heard this when I was in high school; I never thought of "easy" music the same way again!
2) Nash Ensemble – Krommer Octet Partita
Revelation: how well a classical ensemble, including clarinets, can play together. I have never heard a more cohesive classical music recording than this before or since.
3) Mate Bekavac – Carmen Fantasy
Revelation: we barely know what's possible to play on the clarinet, because people like Mate come around every now and then and redefine what’s possible! How exciting!
4) Mariinsky Clarinet Club – Toquades no. 1
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BBYXOAJP-kM&list=OLAK5uy_lchj2P6HAe2pvbkufInly_kPQCsESOf_8
Revelation: clarinets can work as a beautiful single-instrument ensemble. This recording led me to arrange and record an album's worth of clarinet ensemble music!
5) Ken Peplowski – Tiger Rag
Revelation: performers have to give it all. Energy is everything. This is a duet! More energy on stage than in most bands of 10!
Hope you find my list interesting; does anybody have any additions?
Thank you,
Liam
