Veracini (edited for clarinet and strings by Yona Ettlinger) 0:00 - 17:42
Fantaisie Brillante on Verdi's 'Rigoletto, for clarinet & piano 17:42 - 24:36
Yona Ettlinger (1924-1981)
The legendary musician and clarinet player, who studied with the great Louis Cahuzac, created in Israel a new school of clarinet playing, some may say the best in the world.
Unfortunately, after Ettlinger's untimely death, the level of clarinet playing in Israel has deteriorated into a brilliant mediocracy.
Ettlinger's so called "followers" have failed to walk in his path!
One of them, with a plain tone and phony musical abilities, has continuously slandered Yona.
Another claimed that "Yona's method is bankrupt". That man had the special talent of bringing un-musical players into key positions.
Yet another claimed that he studied with Ettlinger, although his playing and teaching methods are far from reflecting Ettlinger's legacy.
One of Ettlinger's distinguishing characteristics was his unique sound, he achieved that by using a specially designed mouthpiece.
I was Ettlinger's student and close friend, and have received his many sketches, drawings and designs of unorthodox clarinet mouthpieces (unorthodox to say the least). These mouthpieces have been commissioned and built for Ettlinger by the great East Berliner mouthpiece maker "Wipper". These exceptionally complex mouthpieces were built with Ettlinger's close guidance; these mouthpieces present the optimal synergy of both acoustics and human ergonomics. On many occasions, Yona told me that "Wipper" is the world greatest mouthpiece maker.
Present day technology allows me and a group of engineering experts to reconstruct theses extraordinary mouthpieces and bring them back to live with 3D printing.
I have recorded Ettlinger playing this Veracini (arranged for clarinet and strings by Yona Ettlinger) with the Israel Broadcasting “KOL ISRAEL” symphony orchestra conducted by Mendi Rodan in the mid 70's, during a general rehearsal in Jerusalem. I am honored to upload it for all to enjoy.

The second recording is the "Fantasia Brilliant" on Verdi's Rigolletto arranged for clarinet and piano. The clarinet player is the great Louis Cahuzac, Yona Ettlinger's mentor and friend. The musical quality is unparalleled when compared to modern standards. Much like Ettlinger's, Cahuzac's sound quality, concentration and color is unique with superb projection, legato and brilliant technique, a true master of his instrument!

Rafi Bracha,
Consurtium Musicum- musical director

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