Karl Leister is a renowned German clarinetist celebrated for his virtuosic technique and expressively warm tone that have placed him among the foremost interpreters of classical and romantic clarinet repertoire. Born on June 15, 1937, in Wilhelmshaven, he began his clarinet studies at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of European classical musicians. After serving as the principal clarinetist for the Komische Oper Berlin, he became a member of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1959, a position he held with distinction under the baton of Herbert von Karajan until his departure in 1993. Karl Leister's career has been highlighted by numerous recordings and performances, with a keen emphasis on the works of composers like Mozart, Brahms, and Weber.

Leister's discography is a testament to his profound mastery of the clarinet, featuring a range of solo and chamber music works. "Romantic Chamber Music with Clarinet" showcases his sensitivity and nuanced understanding of the romantic genre, while his recordings of "Spohr: Clarinet Concertos Nos. 1-4" represent a comprehensive interpretation of Louis Spohr’s significant contributions to the clarinet repertoire. His renditions of "Brahms: The Clarinet Sonatas" and "Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op. 115" are often noted for their lyrical beauty and have become benchmarks for these pieces. Furthermore, Leister's exploration of opera through his clarinet with albums like "Opera Fantasy" and "ベルカント─クラリネットによるオペラ名アリア集" reveals his versatility and the extendable boundaries of his instrument. Acclaimed both for his solo performances and collaborations with chamber ensembles, Karl Leister remains a pivotal figure in the classical music world, influencing generations of clarinetists with his recordings, teachings, and continued performances.

Genres

Classical Clarinet

Latest Release

Romantic Chamber Music with Clarinet

Karl Leister•

Quartetto Savinio•

Luigi Magistrelli

Album - 54 Tracks - Released April 14, 2023