A. Wool 48 Etudes for Clarinet

Introduction

The joy of the clarinet is at its finest!

Uhl's 48 Etudes, some of the most challenging etudes for advanced players, require both technical perfection and exceptional musicality. A close friend of the Vienna Philharmonic and created in collaboration with its principal players, Naoko Otaniguchi, Japan's leading clarinetist, has taken on the challenge of recording this great composer's legacy. Having studied in the same city as the composer and absorbing every inch of Vienna, Otaniguchi unleashes a full palette of expressive possibilities through her works and the clarinet. This long-awaited world premiere recording marks the arrival of Naoko Otaniguchi's impressive debut album.

Media Reviews and More

This is the debut CD of Naoko Otaniguchi, principal clarinetist of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. These 48 Etudes, a staple of the clarinet world and one of the most challenging etudes, are a regular feature in music college entrance exams and more. (C)RS

About the Artist

[Naoko Otaniguchi (Clarinet)] Born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts. Completed her Master's program at the same university's Graduate School. In 2000, she passed the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Emerging Performer Audition and performed at the Emerging Performer Debut Concert. She performed with the Tokyo New City Orchestra. In 2001, she won second place in the clarinet division of the 12th Japan Woodwind Competition. In 2002, she won first place in the woodwind division of the 14th Takarazuka Vega Music Competition. She participated in the Seiji Ozawa Music Academy Opera Project 2002. She won first place in the clarinet division of the 71st Japan Music Competition, and also won the Masuzawa Award (the first time a wind player has won this award in the competition's history) and the E. Nachika Michi Award. She performed with the New Japan Philharmonic. In 2004, she performed at the "Ideal Clarinet Abend" (Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo). In 2005, she performed at the 2005 International Clarinet Fest in Tokyo, where she received praise from many international players. In 2006, she performed in "Ideal Clarinet Abend Vol. 2." In 2007, she was selected as a registered artist for the 2008-2009 Public Hall Music Revitalization Project, and in addition to concerts, she also engaged in outreach activities at schools and facilities around the country. In 2009, she appeared as a soloist at the 25th Tokyo Summer Music Festival, "2009 Japan's Young Talent." She also performed in the Tokyo Opera City Recital Series "B→C: From Bach to Contemporary." In 2010, she studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna as an overseas artist trainee sponsored by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. She performed in a concert sponsored by the Vienna Philharmonic at the Vienna Philharmonic Hall. She also participated in a master class with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in Bregenz, Austria. In 2011, she received the Kyoto City New Artist Award, and in 2012, she received the Kobe City Cultural Encouragement Award. He has been invited to perform as a soloist with numerous major orchestras and wind bands across the country, and has frequently been featured in the media, serving as a judge at various competitions, including the Japan Music Competition. He has also appeared on NHK-TV and NHK-FM, released collaborative CDs, and been interviewed in music magazines. He has studied clarinet with Kazuo Fujii, Yuji Murai, Masaharu Yamamoto, Shinichi Kawabata, J. Hinderer, and G. Pachinger, and chamber music with G. Pokorny and A. Kuyumdjan. He currently teaches part-time at Osaka College of Music and Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts. He is principal clarinetist of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. In addition to orchestral activities, he is active throughout the country, performing solo recitals, chamber music performances, and outreach activities across the country, making him one of Japan's leading clarinetists. His impeccable technique, beautiful tone, and rich musicality have captivated many fans.