You have a very extensive, wide-ranging discography. What excites you now and what else do you want to record?

I’ve already made many CDs. Of course, there are still pieces worth recording, but I’m increasingly convinced that live concerts are the more beautiful and vivid art form. Having said that, I do have new recordings in the pipeline, such as my next CD featuring Franz Schubert’s Octet.

Sabine MeyerSabine Meyer. Photo © Thomas Rabsch, EMI Classics

The clarinet has been described as a ‘background’ instrument. Do you agree?

There’s no such thing as a ‘background’ instrument. Every instrument sometimes accompanies and then has the lead voice again. The clarinet, for instance, has played an important leading role in the orchestra since Mozart’s time. For wind players, there’s actually nothing better than performing in a very good orchestra.

What drew you to the Alliage Quintett with its unique line-up of four saxophones and a grand piano, and how did you come up with the programme for Musica Viva?

The initiative for this project came from the Alliage Quintett. I was delighted because I’m a huge fan of the saxophone (my father was a pianist, clarinettist and saxophonist). Together, we...