“one of the most brilliant performers of his era anywhere in the world”

Professor Colin Lawson CBE, Director Emeritus, Royal College of Music

Gervase de Peyer as I Knew Him is an intimate portrait of renowned classical clarinettist Gervase de Peyer by his wife and partner of forty years, published to mark the centenary of his birth. A musician’s musician, Gervase was admired by his peers for extending the range of the clarinet as a solo instrument, inspiring many acclaimed classical composers to write with his tone in mind, and for the musical brilliance and flair that spurred his international career, including as principal clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra and a founding member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Praise for Gervase de Peyer:

“It’s a real delight to have within these pages so many fascinating insights into the life of one of the most distinguished alumni of the Royal College of Music. Gervase de Peyer was an inspiration to many generations of clarinettists and his influence extended well beyond his own instrument as one of the most brilliant performers of his era anywhere in the world.”

Professor Colin Lawson CBE, Director Emeritus, Royal College of Music

“We’ve lost the man who gave us this utterly sublime clarinet tone….” Classic FM

“Clarinettist who had Aaron Copland, Paul Hindemith and Francis Poulenc queuing up to have their works performed by him.” The Times

“…an outstanding soloist and chamber musician…[who] inspired several composers to write new works….” The Guardian

“Acclaimed as the most recorded clarinet soloist in the world….” The Independent

Review copies (PDF and physical book) available on request

For further press information, please contact Frances Wilson frances_wilson66@live.com

GERVASE DE PEYER As I Knew Him is published in the UK by Kahn & Averill. Find out more