Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXd3tNRIj5MI attended the concert, From Russia with Love, earlier tonight and I simply love Guennadi Mouzyka's rendition of Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante on the double bass. Also playing this work with him were Alexander Souptel on the violin and Kerim Vergazov on the piano.Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante is a technically very challenging work for the double bass. I am greatly inspired by the rendition that I have heard tonight. The harmonics are played with precision, clarity and warmth. The double bass sounds right! I was observing the right-hand technique of the double bass player and doing my best to learn how to strive for such smooth changes from one string to another. I don't know how to describe how inspiring the rendition was, but I can say that I was listening attentively every moment of the work. What I am inspired was Guennadi Mouzyka's dedication to the art of playing the double bass. Everything that I have heard during the concert was made possible because of hours of diligent, good practice. Bravo!I am now more inspired to practise more diligently. From Russia with Love I would like to point readers of this blog to this concert. Although the programme of this concert does not entirely feature the double bass, audience will get to listen to Bottesini's Gran Duo Concertante performed by Guennadi Mouzyka on the double bass, Alexander Souptel on the violin and Kerim Vergazov on the piano. This concert is part of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory's Faculty Recital Series.Here are the details:From Russia with Love8 November 2008, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Concert HallTickets available at S$20, S$15 each (Exclude Booking Fee)Tickets sold at all SISTIC outlets. The Bass Line For the double bass players in Singapore who are interested to listen to music for double bass solo and double bass quartet, performed by students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, do take note of the following event:The Bass Line24 October 2008, Friday, 7:00 PMYong Siew Toh Conservatory of MusicOrchestra HallFree admission. Lawrence Wolfe master class summary, by Jason Heath I would like to point readers to a useful summary by Jason Heath from his attendance of a master class conducted by Lawrence Wolfe. Check it out here: Lawrence Wolfe master class summary. Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel (Colours of the Rainbow) Here's an invitation:10 Sep 2008 (Wednesday), 7:00pmThe Plaza, The National Library (The ground floor)100 Victoria StreetSingapore 188064Free AdmissionProgramme:ROSSINI The Barber of Seville OvertureLLOYD WEBBER Symphonic ReflectionsH. ZIMMER The Pirates of the CaribbeanJOHN WILLIAMS Schindler’s ListROSSINI The Thieving Magpie OvertureA. SILVESTRI Forrest Gump SuiteFor more details, please click this link. Do come and support please. 10 Sep 2008: Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel Below are the details of an upcoming performance that the NUS Symphony Orchestra and members of d'Bassists will be involved in. Your support will be greatly appreciated. See you there.Couleurs de L'arc-en-Ciel (Colours of the Rainbow)10 September 2008 (Wednesday),7 p.m.,The Plaza,The National Library,Free admissionAn evening with the NUS Symphony Orchestra: young and ardent music lovers bring to life an impressive repertoire, including world-famous works like Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' and extracts from Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning 'Schindler's List'.(The photo in this post was taken at The Plaza, The National Library on 15 September 2007.) Lower-cost Equipment Fixes Jeff Weisner, double bassist from National Symphony Orchestra, who also teaches the double bass at The Peabody Institute in Baltimore and co-authors the blog PeabodyDoubleBass offers some insightful tips on various ways to improve the sound and playability of one's double bass using relatively inexpensive methods.Here's the link to his post on doublebassblog.org: Double Bass Socialism Part II: Equipment Fixes for Cheap Standing versus sitting for the double bassist Jason Heath discusses about the advantages and disadvantages of various types of standing and sitting stances for the double bassist in his post Standing versus sitting for the double bassist. This is worthy to check out.**Also refer to this link for follow-up posts:-news-from-the-music-blogosphere-2.html What's in the library? Method Book for the Double BassIn this post which I hope may develop into a series of related post, I would highlight to readers from Singapore some of the noteworthy double bass literature that they can have access to from the libraries under the National Library Board.Method books shall be first on my list. When it comes to method books for the double bass, it is worthy to take a look at F. Simandl's New Method for the Double Bass. Right here in Singapore, a copy of this method book can be found at library@esplanade for browsing. The call number is:English 787.5076 SIM -[ART] v.What I like about this method book: There are some orchestral excerpts that are found in this method book. In addition, this method book provides insights to playing scales in various keys on the double bass.However, double bass player, Jason Heath, pointed out that the fingering positions proposed by Simandl are comparatively more difficult to remember and pretty non-intuitive as compared to the new method of Francois Rabbath and his followers.Nevertheless, Simandl's method is fairly systematic in its approach and offers some essential studies for any double bass student who aspires to play in an orchestra or a string ensemble. In fact, I understand that Simandl's method is, according to Jason Heath, one of the predominant double bass pedagogical methods used in the United States today.F. Simandl's New Method for the Double Bass also contains a few photographs showing how one should hold a double bass and the bow. Other than providing studies for the left-hand, it also contains many studies that focus on the right-hand technique.If you should find this method book to be of some use to your study of the double bass, original copies of it can be purchased from Lemur Music: Item number: CFE01 Bassiona Amorosa Jason Heath's post pointed me to learn about the German double bass ensemble Bassiona Amorosa. All members of this ensemble playing in variable settings are students of the Contrabass Master Class of Prof. Klaus Trumpf at the State University of Music in Munich; all are for the most part multiple prize winners in international competitions (in Germany, USA, CR, ARDCompetition etc.). (view source)In the You-Tube video above, this ensemble performs Sabre Dance.To find out more about this double bass ensemble, please visit the ensemble's website: http://www.bassiona-amorosa.de/ Double bass Masterclass with Dr Paul Erhard Dr Paul Erhard is known internationally in the double bass world as a performer and teacher. His pioneering efforts playing the music of India led him to form the double bass-flute-tabla trio Atmic Vision.For double bass players in Singapore who are keen to learn from Dr Paul Erhard, you may be pleased to learn that he will be conducting a double bass masterclass in Singapore.Here are the details:Doublebass Masterclass with Dr. Paul Erhard25 March 2008, Tuesday, 5:00PMYong Siew Toh Conservatory of MusicOrchestra Hall (3rd level)*Free admissionI was reading up about Dr Paul Erhard's teaching philosophy and I have found this: "Dr Paul Erhard’s aim (in teaching) is to help his students become their own best teachers so that they are able to progress quickly and achieve the musicals goals they aspire to reach." (source: http://www.amazingbass.net)It will be lovely if I could get a chance to learn from him somehow. Meantime, to learn more Dr Paul Erhard, here are some websites that you can visit:http://www.amazingbass.nethttp://www.colorado.edu/music/faculty/erhard.html* Note: According to reliable sources, there may be a change in the venue to the recital studio. Nevertheless, it will still be at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.***YouTube video source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUScezb4Dfk (opening section of Bottesini's Sonnambula) Frederick Charlton's Bach on Fire Bach on Fire is a recording consisting of ten of Mr. Frederick Charlton's favorite selections from J.S. Bach's famous Unaccompanied Partitas for solo violin arranged and performed on the double bass.To listen to excerpts from the above recording, please visit:http://www.myspace.com/frederickcharltonIn addition, you can add yourself as a friend of Frederick Charlton on MySpace.com. Four double bass recitals held on 12 Mar 2008 For all double bass players in Singapore, this is a day to make yourself free so as to listen to not just one, but four double bass recitals.These four senior recitals are put up by four different graduating students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. All these recitals will be held at the YST Conservatory Concert Hall.Here are the details:On 12 March 2008 (Wed)Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, Conservatory Concert Hall3.30 p.m.: Senior Recital: Teo Jiajia Sandy, double bass5.00 p.m.: Senior Recital: He Xiaoyi, double bass6.30 p.m.: Senior Recital: Wang Luyao8.00 p.m.: Senior Recital: Yao YaoFree admission.(source: http://scmapp.nus.edu.sg/events/eventcalendar/index.aspx) 23 Jan 2008 ExxonMobil Campus ConcertsMiniaturesby NUS Symphony Orchestra(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)23 January 2008, Wednesday, 8 p.m.University Cultural Centre TheatreFree AdmissionWorks performed by d'Bassists at this concert:- Tony Osborne's Blues-Style- Francesco Durante's Allegro deciso (transcribed by Fred Zimmermann) Jazzy double bass duets For the jazz lovers, here is a link to a You-Tube clip of Christian McBride & Niels Pederson playing jazz tunes of Bye Bye Blackbird, composed by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon in 1926, on the double bass in a duet performance. I like the interesting melody line and rhythms.Many thanks to Jason Heath for pointing me to the above clip.Reference:Christian McBride e Niels Pederson - Bye Bye Blackbird Miniatures "Are you intimidated by large orchestra concerts?Or, have you had enough of radio that you now crave for some 'live' music?Be treated to an array of bite-sized pieces from classical to contemporary, brought to you by the NUS Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensembles! We present you Miniatures, where you can see your favourite instruments of the orchestra take the centre-stage!With a flute duet, an oboe quartet, a percussion ensemble and a bass ensemble among our string quartets, spend a lovely evening enjoying works from Mozart to Gershwin as we bring both the instruments and their players up-close and personal! "ExxonMobil Campus ConcertsMiniaturesby NUS Symphony Orchestra(a member of NUS Centre For the Arts)23 January 2008, Wednesday, 8pmUniversity Cultural Centre TheatreFree AdmissionProgramme includes: - Blues-Style by Tony Osborne (Double bass trio, Performed by d'Bassists)- "American" String Quartet No. 12 in F, Op. 96, 1st Mvt, by Antonin Dvořák- Andante et rondo for two flutes and a piano Op. 25, by Franz Doppler- Por Una Cabeza – Tango, by Carlos Gardel- Concertante for Violin, Viola, Mvt 2 & 3, by W. A. Mozartand more! Tina Ward's article: Empty seats - What can musicians do? Above Photo: Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore.Polyphonic.org is the Orchestra Musician Forum. Polyphonic.org offers quite a number of insightful articles for musicians who play in orchestras.I came across an insightful article by Tina Ward, titled Empty Seats - What Can We Do?. Do check it out.Here's a short quote from the article:Although most orchestras present many concerts a year, each concert is unique and can never be truly duplicated. It is the spontaneity, atmosphere, and excitement that, for me, set live music apart from recordings and create a truly unique, special, and magical event. A concert is a one-of-a-kind, totally handmade product.......What Can We (as musicians) Do?If this seems of interest to you, read the article here: http://polyphonic.org/article.php?id=7&page=2 A Flame in the Night NUS Symphony Orchestra proudly presents: A Flame in the Night!Featuring favourites like Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 in D and Stravinsky's "Dance of the Inferno" from the Firebird suite, NUS Symphony Orchestra brings you a night of music, passion, fate and life.Date: 1 Mar 2008Time: Evening, 8 p.m.,Venue: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall.Tickets are available from Gatecrash.Promotions: Free movie passes for every purchase of four tickets (limited stock, through Gatecrash Hotline and Internet Booking).Concessions: 15% off for NUS Student. 10% off for NUS Staff and Alumni. Hans Strum teaches the Rabbath technique Double bass players may be interested to learn about the Rabbath left hand position technique. How does it differ from the Simandl's technique?International Society of Bassists President and Ball State University Bass Professor Hans Sturm shares about the concepts behind the Rabbath technique in a multi-part video series on Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog and Contrabass Conversations.Here are the links to this series:Hans Sturm and Jason Heath talk Rabbath technique - videoHans Sturm teaches the Rabbath technique - part 2Hans Sturm teaches the Rabbath technique - part 3Applying the Rabbath technique to Bottesini - Hans Sturm video part 4General mental approaches to practicing the double bass - Hans Sturm video part 5 Music Camp 2007 A snapshot from the Quartet Masterclass.Photo taken by our orchestra's Publication SecretaryThe Conducting MasterclassPhoto taken by our orchestra's Publication SecretaryThe NUS Symphony Orchestra has had its annual music camp from 11 - 14 Dec 2007. Members of d'Bassists rehearsed works scored for the double bass ensemble during the music camp. WL is one of the newest members of d'Bassists.On 12 Dec 2007, d'Bassists presented a double bass trio item during the Quartet Masterclass. It seemed implied that the Quartet Masterclass was more intended for strings quartet. Afterall, double bass quartets and double bass trios are comparatively less common than strings quartets.Anyway, d'Bassists presented Tony Osborne's Blues-Styles. This time, yours truly is playing the first part, XM the second and WL the third. Mr Foo gave the trio some tips during the masterclass. Blues-Styles is written in 4/4 time. He suggested that for this work, we could practise using the metronome, and have the metronome count in twos. The tip is that instead of having the strong beats of the metronome falling on the 1st and 3rd beats, the strong beats should be falling on the 2nd and 4th beats to let the music groove. There were a few other tips. Meantime, many thanks to Mr Foo for his tips.In the evening of 13 Dec 2007, there was a barbeque. I was absent as I have two classes to attend that evening. Neverthless, I am sure it was fun.On 14 Dec 2007, our conductor gave a masterclass on conducting. I could not be present due to work commitments, but from the photos that were taken during the Conducting Masterclass, it seems to be interesting and enriching.Many thanks to the executive committee of the orchestra for organising the music camp. Holding the German bow: article by Robert Oppelt Special thanks to Jason Heath for recommending Robert Oppelt's online article about the various German-bow grips used by professionals.Robert Oppelt is the principal double bassist of the National Symphony Orchestra, the resident orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (source: http://www.robertoppelt.com/index.html)Jason Heath has aptly summed up the various German-bow grips that Robert Oppelt has identified as follow:1. Two fingers on top, free thumb2. Like the previous, but only the first finger applies the weight3. Two fingers on top, assisted by the thumb on the stick4. One finger on top and thumb on top5. Fingers on top, thumb buried under first finger6. Side of the thumb on top along stick, fingers on side (or tip of first finger on top)7. Similar to (6), but the thumb is less on its side, more on its tip8. Thumb on top along stick, frog deep in hand9. Thumb along stick, frog very deep in hand, wrist very bent10. Straight thumb, bow further out in fingers and thumb11. Thumb wraps over stick at about 45 degree angle, stick not completely deep in the handTo find out which is his preferred grip, please read Robert Oppelt's article here: http://www.robertoppelt.com/page8.html Andrés Martín's site in English language Earlier this July, this blog mentioned about the double bassist Andrés Martín, and the Contrabajos de Baja California double bass ensemble that was formed by him.Andrés Martín has designed and put up a English website recently. Do check it out here:http://andresmartin.110mb.com/index-eng.html The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians For musicians who are looking for an authoritative reference source on the subject of music, The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is probably the most authoritative one available in the English language.According to an entry on Wikipedia on this dictionary, "The Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is an encyclopedic dictionary of music and musicians...and is the leading music reference source in English for both encyclopedic information and bibliographies". At the point in writing, the latest edition of this dictionary is named The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd edition), edited by Stanley Sadie and John Tyrrell.I find that The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians is a very useful reference for one to start off with when one is doing research for the purpose of writing programme notes, or simply, to learn more about an established composer or a musical term.There is an online edition of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Here's the URL for Grove Music Online: http://www.grovemusic.com(Note: Subscription to its services would be necessary to access the database.)For readers who are living in Singapore, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd edition) is available for reference purposes at the following public libraries: library@esplanade, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, and Woodlands Regional Library. Rosin for use in Singapore's climate What is rosin used for? To produce a sound from a string-instrument, a string-player would usually draw a bow across one of the strings of the instrument. In order to increase friction and make the bow-hair grip the string and produce a sound, a regular application of rosin is required.Rosin is a solid form of resin obtained from various species of pine tree. The Contrabass Shoppe has a page that gives a very informative account about how rosin are made and a short account of why some double bass players prefer soft rosin wheras others prefer hard rosin. Here's the URL: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htmIn this post, I shall attempt to share my personal experiences of using various kinds of rosin in the Singapore's climate. Singapore's climate can be described as being humid in general. According to one source, the mean daily temperature is 26.8°C.The Contrabass Shoppe has featured three different kinds of rosin and described them in fair detail. I shall attempt to share my personal experiences with two of the rosins mentioned on The Contrabasso Shoppe.Nyman RosinPhoto credit: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htmNyman rosin is quite a great rosin to use in the Singapore's climate. Firstly, it is not too sticky in our climate, and as such, it will not be prone to melting itself away under the hot tropical climate. A bow with Nyman rosin feels fairly easy to control and has a fairly rounded tone. I think it works very well when playing music from the Classical period, especially works composed by Mozart.The only thing to be careful is try to store it in places where it is not prone to falls. Bad falls can break a piece of Nyman rosin to unsightly pieces.Pops RosinPhoto credit: http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htmI initially did not like the sticky feel of Pops rosin. It would demand a bit more deliberate bow control to achieve a delicate and smooth tone on the bow that is rubbed with Pops rosin. However, this is one rosin that makes the double bass sound clear and bright. I find that it works particularly well when I play symphonies by Beethoven.My main word of caution is that please keep the Pops rosin in its red container, and keep the container preferably in an upright position. Otherwise, Pops rosin is likely to melt under the hot weather and gets distorted in its shape, and you may find yourself in a sticky mess. In addition, as compared to when I was using Nyman rosin, I find myself rehairing my bow more regularly when I use Pops rosin.PetzThanks to P., I have the pleasure to use Petz No. 2 rosin. Petz No. 2 rosin helps in the production of a beautiful and warm tone when I used it in United Kingdom in a dry and fairly cool climate. However, Petz No. 2 rosin feels very soft and tends to be prone to shape-distortion in the Singapore's climate.Carlsson Swedish Bass RosinI personally find Carlsson Swedish Bass Rosin to have similar properties to Nyman Rosin. Maybe this arise because I could not differentiate the subtle differences between the two? I particularly like the design of its container because I know that it will be difficult for me to lose the lid.L'Opera's Jade, Double Bass Solo rosinMy personal experience with this rosin is pretty mixed. A bow rubbed with this rosin produces a fairly delicate and soft sound. I find that there is less "noise" and it feels more smooth playing the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor when using Jade rosin as compared to Pops rosin. However, this rosin does not seem to provide enough grip in the Singapore's climate. I felt the rosin was lacking in grip especially when playing fast passages.Meantime, if you have personal experiences to share about the use of rosin in the Singapore's climate, please add your views to the comments-section.***Most of the above-mentioned rosins can be purchased from the following places (Note: this list is not exhaustive):http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htmhttp://www.synwin.com.sg/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=350Synwin Enterprises845 Geylang Rd, #03-01 Tg Katong Complex, Singapore 400845Tel: 6743 7865Fax: 6743 4862Website: www.synwin.com.sgFrank Brothers Violins1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, #02-08 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 038981Tel: 6883 2581Website: www.frankbrosmusic.comReferences:http://www.contrabass.co.uk/rosin.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosin Happy Birthday Tony Osborne! 10 Nov 2007 is Tony Osborne's 60th birthday! Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature. Cheers to more years of great compositions and music by Tony Osborne.Please find a short youtube video dedicated to Tony Osborne. Wishing him a Happy Birthday!(Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dGk_euND0A)Tony Osborne has recently been appointed the Visiting Lecturer in Composition at Bulmershe College, University of Reading. Congratulations to Tony Osborne.d'Bassists had performed one of Tony Osborne's compositions, Blue Styles, earlier this year. To listen to it, please visit: Tony Osborne's Blues-Style (1981)Read more about Tony Osborne here: http://www.musiciansgallery.com/start/composers/osborne/tony.htmhttp://www.ozzape.com/tony/Last but not the least, if you would like, you are invited to join in to wish Tony Osborne a Happy Birthday! Jason Heath's Advice for aspiring music performance majors If you should have such questions in your mind: "Should I pursue a music performance degree?", "How could I identify a good teacher from an established institute to study the double bass from?", "Where can I find resources to learn to cope with a music performance career?", then please read on.Jason Heath, a double bassist with a B.M. and M.M. in Double Bass Performance from Northwestern University, has an interesting post that discusses on the various issues that aspiring music performance majors should take note of. This post also points the reader to resources that offer helpful tips on taking auditions.Do find time to read: Advice for aspiring music performance majors Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music What is the best way to appreciate music? Of course, the most basic and best way would be to listen to it, or to experience it.If that is the case, why on earth would I want to write a post on the American composer, Aaron Copland's book, What to Listen for in Music?Simply, as outlined by composer, William Schuman, in the Introduction section of this book, "Listening to music is a skill that is acquired through experience and learning. Knowledge enhances enjoyment." As such, it does help to read about and learn how to listen to music with greater skill.In this book, Aaron Copland provides insightful suggestions for listening to music that will bring one a deeper appreciation of music. The book discusses how one can hear what is going on in a piece of music. It discusses how one could not just listen to music for the sheer pleasure of the musical sound, and not just experience the expressive meaning behind a piece of music, but to be sufficiently conscious of the sheerly musical plane, i.e to be aware of the melodies, rhythms, harmonies, tone colours and the musical form in a more conscious fashion.I had myself acquainted with this book during my undergraduate years when I had studied a module on Contemporary Music as one of my electives. However, I had not read the entire book then. Last year, Emily presented this book to me as a Christmas gift, and I eventually got down to read the entire book. Although I had previously been acquainted to learn how to listen to music in a more conscious fashion, I have found that I was much more able to know how to and what to listen for in music after reading this book entirely. I have particularly found the book's discussion on the topic of musical form to be easy-to-understand and fairly comprehensive. I believe I would still refer to this book from time to time.This book was written primarily with the layman in mind, but I am sure that music students and anyone else would find it a fruitful read if they were to read this book with the objective of learning how they could experience greater enjoyment when listening to music.This book is available from Borders (Singapore) and Kinokuniya (Singapore). It is also available for purchase from Amazon.com: Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music.Credits: Image source: Amazon.com Emily the composer Credit: Image taken from http://www.emilykoh.netEmily, local composer, has her own website with her own domain name. Find out more about Emily and her endeavours in composing music here: http://www.emilykoh.netBesides composing, Emily is also an avid double bassist. She is a founding member of d’Bassists. 10 Nov 2007: The Bass Line Students from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (Singapore) will be presenting The Bass Line, a concert of Double Bass Music on 10 November 2007 (Sat), 7.30 p.m.Venue: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Orchestra Hall (3rd level)Please click here for the link to the location mapDo make time to support this interesting concert. Admission is free.**For more information about the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, please check out this URL: http://music.nus.edu.sg/about/Also read about Mr Guennadi Mouzyka, Artist Faculty, Double Bass, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.