Charles Draper (23 October 1869 – 21 October 1952) was a British classical clarinetist, sometimes described as the grandfather of English clarinetists.^[1]

Early life and education[edit]

Draper was born in Odcombe, Somerset. His father and brother, having been cellists and clarinetists, respectively. In 1888, he studied with Henry Lazarus and he won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, where he continued as a student of Lazarus until the latter's retirement. He also studied for a year under Julian Egerton.

Career[edit]

Draper premiered Stanford's Clarinet Concerto on 29 January 1903 with the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra. Stanford's Clarinet Sonata was also dedicated to Draper. Draper was also a notable teacher, teaching at the Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and counting Frederick Thurston among his students.

Personal life[edit]

Draper's son, Paul Beaumont Draper, was also an accomplished bassoonist. Draper died in Surbiton, aged 82.

References[edit]

General references[edit]

• Weston, Pamela (1971). Clarinet Virtuosi of the Past. Hale. ISBN 978-0-7091-2442-9.

External links[edit]

• Music.ed.ac.uk