Jean-Michel Bertelli
With a network of Artist Centres and Ateliers around the world, Yamaha works with leading players to support their performances and develop instrument designs and new ideas for the benefit of all musicians. Yamaha Artists share with us a passion for inspiring the next generation of players, and a belief that everybody should be encouraged to nurture their talent, connect with others and tell their stories through music.
Get to know Yamaha Artist and Clarinet Player Jean-Michel Bertelli
Statement about your relation with Yamaha or your instrument:
I like Yamaha's motto of always doing better. To be at the cutting edge of progress, of research, the key word is: innovate. Surprising sound quality, flawless mechanism.
How does your instrument help you in your daily life as an artist?
With this perpetual drive for innovation, I've been playing different models of Yamaha clarinet for 30 years. Always surprising, with great flexibility of sound and a mechanism at the cutting edge of innovation, whether in the orchestra or as a soloist, Yamaha clarinets have always been invaluable in my artistic life.
How would you characterise your instrument?
As I said earlier, the holes in each model allow brilliant musical playing, full of nuances and tonal colours, combined with a top-level mechanism and ergonomics!
Who was your most influential teacher and is there any advice which you still follow?
My teachers: Ferdinand SANSALONE, when I was at the Lyon Conservatoire, then Thomas FRIEDLI for my postgraduate studies in Geneva. Also Stanley DRUCKER (New York), when I took part in the ICA International Competition.
Advice for a young musician:
Always work conscientiously on a score, work slowly on all the technical and virtuoso features, so as to be able to interpret the music. Technique at the service of music. Not the other way round.
