Herbert L Clarke (1867-1945)




How I Became a Cornetist  - Clarke's autobigraphy, compiled from a series of magazine installments.

"The (In)famous Letter"  to Eldon E Benge (1921) -  The young musician had written to Clarke, wondering about switching from cornet to trumpet, as the latter instrument had been increasing in popularity.  Clarke's reply reveals both his unqualified love of the cornet, as well as his distaste for the trumpet and loathing of jazz music.  As a great bandsman, it would have been easy for him to feel bitter upon witnessing the rapid decline of his musical world after World War One.