Clarinettist Julian Bliss interviewed in The Guardian

Julian Bliss’s recording - with the Carducci Quartet - of Brahms’s Clarinet Quintet and David Bruce’s Gumboots was released by Signum Records on 15 April. Bliss gives the world premiere of Wayne Shorter’s Clarinet Concerto at the Royal Festival Hall on 30 November.

Julian Bliss's name pops up quite frequently in the concerts listed in Chamber Music Plus, and prior to a recent concert at St George's Bristol with the Carducci Quartet, The Guardian asked him a few questions...

What’s your musical guilty pleasure?
I listen to a wide range of music, everything from Mahler through to Taylor Swift. I don’t feel guilty about any of it!


Is applauding between movements acceptable?
This, and the bigger discussion of audience etiquette, is hotly debated. There are many things that have become rules when going to a classical concert and I think they can put people off. I personally don’t mind it if there’s applause between movements. The audience are only showing their appreciation!
What single thing would improve the format of the classical concert?
Something that is very simple but that makes a big difference is when the musician talks to the audience. The atmosphere immediately changes, and the audience feels more relaxed. I don’t plan what I’m going to say when I’m on stage, which I think means it comes across as being more natural.

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