Jack Brymer

Brymer’s route into professional music was unusual. He absorbed clarinet playing from leading British players, local bands and orchestras in northeast England and his own experimentation. That largely self-directed formation gave him a strongly individual response to the instrument rather than allegiance to a single formal school.

Before entering the profession he trained at Goldsmiths’ College and worked as a schoolteacher. Wartime service interrupted civilian life, and after the war he returned to teaching and amateur playing. His first BBC recital in 1947 drew attention, and Dennis Brain’s recommendation led directly to Beecham.

With Beecham, Brymer developed the rounded and flexible sound that became famous in recordings. Mozart occupied a special place: his several recordings of the Clarinet Concerto show changes in tempo and phrasing while preserving a characteristic lyrical ease. His orchestral solos were equally recognizable.

After leaving the Royal Philharmonic he joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1963. In the early 1970s he moved to the London Symphony Orchestra, where his sound can be heard in many major recordings, including Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony under André Previn.

Brymer’s interests were broader than standard classical repertoire. He played jazz, directed wind ensembles, championed neglected chamber works and took part in broadcasting as performer and presenter. He also wrote books on the clarinet and orchestral life.

His teaching at the Royal Academy, Royal Military School of Music and Guildhall School influenced several generations. Brymer’s historical importance lies in the persuasive naturalness of his playing: refined technique was rarely displayed for its own sake, and the clarinet seemed to sing and breathe.