Herb Blayman

Herb Blayman.jpg

Herbert S. Blayman was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1921. He graduated from the Julliard School of Music in 1939, where he studied clarinet with Arthur Christmann. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he joined the Metropolitan Opera orchestra in 1950. During his 30-year tenure as principal clarinet with the Met, he performed under the batons of James Levine, George Szell, Leopold Stokowski, Erich Leinsdorf, Pierre Monteaux, Fritz Stiedry, and countless others.

Musical Excerpts

Herb’s artistry can be heard in the excepts below, gathered from throughout his playing career.

 

The Barber of Seville - Rossini

1959 - The Metropolitan Opera, Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf

RCA Victor Records, LSC 6143

 

The Godfather - Nino Rota

1972 Soundtrack, Conducted by Carlo Savina

Paramount Records, SPFA 7003

 

Carmen - Bizet

1973 - The Metropolitan Opera, Conducted by Leonard Bernstein

Deutsche Grammophon, 2709 043

 

Clarinet Candy - Leroy Anderson

1988 - The Leroy Anderson Collection

MCA Classics, MCAD2-9815

In addition to Herb, this recording features soloists Vincent Abato, Roger Hiller and Hernard Portnoy.