Heinrich Baermann

Heinrich Joseph Baermann (also spelled Bärmann; 14 February 1784 – 11 June 1847) was a German clarinet virtuoso of the Classical and Romantic eras who is generally considered as being not only an outstanding performer of his time, but highly influential in the creation of several important composers' works for his instrument.

He played in the court orchestra of Munich from 1807 until his retirement in 1834, when his son Carl Baermann succeeded him.

Parallel to Baermann's rise, the clarinet was undergoing a series of developments in key construction and embouchure that allowed greater agility and flexibility in playing.

[1] Numerous composers wrote for Baermann, who undoubtedly had a great influence on the Romantic clarinet repertoire thereby.

[2] As with many other virtuosi at the time, Baermann tried his hand fairly successfully at composing for his instrument.