Double Bass Audition Question Re: Bowing & Mozart 40th

[jgbass]

Hello,

I am going to be auditioning for an orchestra. I have a number of orchestral excerpts I am in the process of learning and I got this comment from a teacher/pro (not my regular teacher) that I do not necessarily have to learn the bow markings shown on the audition material.

I would think I would be crucial to play the part as they suggest, with the indicated bowings, but maybe I am off bass ??

Also, in the beginning of the Mozart 40 excerpt from the first movement, starting on measure 114, there is a slur on two notes into the next measure. I think that should be slurred, not played upbeat downbeat, or downbeat upbeat.

Until I see my teacher (he's out of town next week) would appreciate any answers and experiences with auditions of this type.

 

[PaulCannon]

The best thing to do is learn what's on the page in case they ask for it, but plan on playing it the way you play the best.

 

[jgbass]

Hi Paul,

Thanks. Sounds like a good plan.

 

[davidzgeorge]

jgbass - which spot exactly are you talking about? is this the excerpt on the 2nd page starting on the C natural?

 

[jgbass]

David,

Yes. starts with C natural:

c b / b c b b c b / b g rest g f# / e e d c etc.

Just thinking those first two notes should be slurred with one bow stroke..... correct ?? or not ??

Thanks

 

[davidzgeorge]

yes, definitely

 

[jgbass]

Thanks David. This one has been bugging me all weekend. I am going to do these two notes upbow as well, being true to the markings in my particular score.

 

[davidzgeorge]

you should take a look at this thread for some opinions re bowings. starting up bow is legitimate, especially if it has been written into your audition part. but read this thread for other ideas. i've posted my bowing somewhere in there!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372463

 

[NWBass]

In my experience most professional orchestras have librarians who keep a book of various audition materials for each instrument. Often time the section with the vacancy will notify the library what the list is and the library, using the orchestra's own parts, puts together the audition book. So while you do have that orchestra's markings, they are not necessarily telling you that you must use them. Though a few times in the past I've gotten some good ideas from those parts! In general, the best advice is to do what helps you sound your best.

 

[jgbass]

Thanks David and NW. Yes, I have been reading that other thread as well. I am meeting with my classical teacher on Monday and I am going to clarify these bowings, but, yes, I think that's what he was telling me also: play to sound your best.