Richard Stoltzman is a clarinetist of astonishing range and depth, probably the greatest and most influential player of that wonderful musical instrument in the world today.
http://www.richardstoltzman.com
He said the words above about his formative encounter with Debussy's lovely "Maid with the Flaxen Hair," Préludes, Book 1.
Listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDF2zkxfKKg
Stoltzman's early albums, especially the one called "Spirits," convey the beauty and character of his interpretive gifts. "Spirits" offers a wide range of music, classical, traditional and contemporary — arranged to express a universal human theme:
yearning, search, journey and fulfillment.