Press

Press requests: Email to Henri Bok.

Critics and colleagues praise Henri Bok's work and his CDs: "Virtuoso Henri Bok once again proves his seemingly limitless capabilities as a bass clarinetist in his latest CD, entitles "Wicked!" Throughout this album Bok showcases the wide variety of techniques and musical characters that he is able to achieve on the instrument. All of the works are unaccompanied solos written by his composer-friends and by Bok himself, and all reflect a passion and vitality that are truly contagious." (Thomas Josenhans; The Clarinet/USA; March 2005)

"The things he played and the way he played them made me a willing prisoner of his great talent - his concept, his feeling for the music and the instrument, his constant awareness of his sound quality, which has always been most important to me. Henri Bok not only plays with his fingers, but with his heart as well. He learned long ago how to make his instrument "sing" like a voice from heaven." (Benny Golson)

Other quotes:

Colleagues:

"Your playing is remarkable - so deeply expressive and virtuosic -
seeming to sing forth in so many ways. Bravo!! Your choice of music,
including your own, is equally impressive and varied. Your beauty of
sound, musicianship, command of contemporary techniques and ability to
"swing" all come to mind in hearing this CD."

(Dennis Smylie, New York)

"You are, without a doubt, one of our finest bass clarinetists. Your
repertoire was chosen very carefully and performed with great
sensitivity. You're really breath taking with your marvelous ability.
Fantastic!"

(Benny Golson, New York)

“He's probably the best BC-player alive,
certainly the best I ever heard!".

(Michael Webster, Houston, USA)

Concert Reviews:

"In Bok, the bass clarinet has a true champion. When you watch him
performing, his love for the instrument is wholly evident and, like most
top performers, the instrument becomes an extension of him."

(The Press, Christchurch, New Zealand)

"Henri Bok is considered the best international bass clarinet soloist."

(El Diario de Ávila, Spain)

In a sublime performance which extended across a range of contemporary
genres, Henri Bok's effortless mastery of the bass clarinet was simply
awe-inspiring.

(Donna Weekes, in: "Australian Clarinet and Saxophone")

His trademark tone, technique and musical insight came together to give
us a concert notable for its expression and subtlety.

(Floyd Williams, The 2002 Australasian

Clarinet and Saxophone Conference)

Composers:

Henri Bok has opened for me the world of the bass clarinet. Because of
him the bass clarinet became one of my favourite instruments.
For me Henri Bok is its best performer.

(Stefan Heucke, Germany)

A million thanks! "Simori" sounds truly wonderful. Your performance
gives the piece a much more ritualistic, tribal feeling than the other
versions. There's also a sense of mystery. I'm really excited about it!

(Peter Sculthorpe, Australia)

Every morning and evening I was treated to Henri's extraordinary regime
of practice, in which he embraced an extraordinary range of notes with
the effortless grace of Houdini.

(Robert Davidson, Brisbane)

You were absolutely your usual wonderful self in Miami and
an inspiration to everyone who was blessed enough to hear
you. Your concert was exquisite and your workshop fantastic.
Bravo!!

(Fredrick Kaufman, Miami)

CD reviews:

Henri Bok knows no boundaries when it comes to extended techniques for
the bass clarinet. His speed to alternate between his unique kind of
slaptongue and high register melody will inspire beyond the stretch of
imagination.

(Diana Tolmie, Australian Clarinet and Saxophone)

I could only marvel at the exquisite tone colours, rhythmic exuberance,
dynamic range and brilliantly executed contemporary techniques which
Henri Bok produces throughout this solo CD.

(Philippa Robinson, "Australian Clarinet & Saxophone")

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