Herbert L. Clarke

The Maid of the Mist

American composer and Cornetplayer Herbert L. Clarke was one of the first soloists to combine a pyrotechnic technique with a lush, romantic sound. His "virtuoso-with-a-heart" style set the standard for Cornet (and later Trumpet) players for the next several generations. He, along with Jean Baptiste Arban and Frank Simon, is considered to be one of the finest Cornetists in history. Many of Clarke's compositions are still regularly performed, including: "The Maid of the Mist", "Sounds of the Hudson", "The Bride of the Waves", "Stars in a Velvety Sky", "From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific", "The Debutante and Southern Cross". "The Maid of the Mist" was composed ca. 1912 and is one of about 50 pieces Clarke wrote to display his virtuosity in concerts. "Maid of the Mist" is the name of a tourist boat that visitors to Niagara Falls can ride to view the falls up-close.