Much has already been written about Stanley Drucker’s imminent retirement as principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic after sixty years with the orchestra. All I can add is this: if you don’t own the live recording of Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto that Drucker made with Leonard Bernstein and the Philharmonic in 1989, you’re missing one of the all-time great musical experiences.
Hail and farewell!