Alfred Burkner was principal clarinet of the Berliner Philharmoniker from around 1942 to 1955. He and some of the other principals resigned when Senator Tiberius for the Berlin Senate offered the General Music directorship to Herbert von Karajan. With Heller who went to the Berlin Symphony Orchestra under Carl Albert Bunte made a beautiful Beethoven Septet op 20for. HMV and the Brahms for French label Lumen. He had a wonderful mellow rich liquid tone and always looked dignified with his blue tinted spectacles. One of a number whom music appreciators should never forget.