Double Bass Bach prelude C- part 1

[Alexis Duntov]

Been working on this several weeks. Part 2 to follow. We’ve been working on learning both voices. This is treble clef voice. Maybe when it’s in better shape I’ll make a video showing both parts together. Feedback desired! Thanks!

Dropbox - Bach C- prelude part 1.mov - Simplify your life

 

[Don Kasper]

Feedback desired!

Hi Garagiste,
I would like to see your Right Hand/Wrist/Elbow system be "looser" - it looks (and sounds) "tight", and a bit "light" - meaning not a lot of arm weight into the string.
Are you studying with a German Bow teacher?
Also - good on you for playing from memory - that is admirable and worthwhile.
Just my "feedback", $0.03.
Good Luck, and Thanks for posting.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Been working on this several weeks. Part 2 to follow. We’ve been working on learning both voices. This is treble clef voice. Maybe when it’s in better shape I’ll make a video showing both parts together. Feedback desired! Thanks!

Dropbox - Bach C- prelude part 1.mov - Simplify your life

Here’s parts 1 and 2 Dropbox - Bach prelude C minor parts 1 &2.mp4 - Simplify your life

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Hi Garagiste,
I would like to see your Right Hand/Wrist/Elbow system be "looser" - it looks (and sounds) "tight", and a bit "light" - meaning not a lot of arm weight into the string.
Are you studying with a German Bow teacher?
Also - good on you for playing from memory - that is admirable and worthwhile.
Just my "feedback", $0.03.
Good Luck, and Thanks for posting.

Hi Don,

thanks for the feedback. Yes, getting a good sound with the bow is still very much an evolving process. I’ve had intermittent lessons with Orin O’Brien and I’m working with a new teacher (German bow) for a group bass class that meets every other week. I’m sort of straddling the worlds of jazz and Orchestral at the moment. Finishing a BFA in Jazz bass at the New School and hoping to jump into some more orchestral playing asap.

 

[Paps]

For a piece you've only been working on a few weeks, that is great!
Sounds good, flows well, rhythm and tuning are good and yes, impressive that you've memorised it. I'm also impressed how clean it is, the string crossing are clear and there is no scratching or squeaks. Sounds very even on all strings and in all positions.
Also, great confidence putting it up here for critical analysis.
As time goes on, you will loosen up with the bow, using more bow, more weight and more articulation.
Also, introduce more dynamics to keep the audience interested. I really look forward to the final product!
What type of bass do you have?

 

[Alexis Duntov]

For a piece you've only been working on a few weeks, that is great!
Sounds good, flows well, rhythm and tuning are good and yes, impressive that you've memorised it. I'm also impressed how clean it is, the string crossing are clear and there is no scratching or squeaks. Sounds very even on all strings and in all positions.
Also, great confidence putting it up here for critical analysis.
As time goes on, you will loosen up with the bow, using more bow, more weight and more articulation.
Also, introduce more dynamics to keep the audience interested. I really look forward to the final product!
What type of bass do you have?

Thank you! My bass is a 2011 Bjorn Stoll Milano.

 

[Notaluthier]

Less weight more bow and let the fingers, wrist, and elbow move.

 

[Notaluthier]

Great job though, no vibrato for Bach is one of the eternal struggles of the classical double bassist.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Great job though, no vibrato for Bach is one of the eternal struggles of the classical double bassist.

Why is no vibrato desirable? Is it just not period-appropriate?

 

[Notaluthier]

Why is no vibrato desirable? Is it just not period-appropriate?

Yes

 

[Paps]

Vibrato?

Yes there are two schools of thought:

1. The traditionalists. Apparently during the Barque era when Bach around and musicians used baroque instruments, there wasn't much vibrato used. Plenty or ornaments, but little vibrato.
(There is baroque vibrato which is very slight and subtle)

2. The innovators. If Bach was around today and could see what vibrato was and how good it sounded, he would have no objection whatsoever.

I have a recording of Gary Karr playing Bach, and he certainly lays on the vibrato and it sounds great.

Your better doing what your teacher wants. Mine does NOT like vibrato in baroque music.

 

[garrett2]

This is a wonderful recording (on Spotify etc.) which gives deep insight into Bach. Valli improvises a lot of ornamentation on Baroque cello, and also plays Bach alongside Gabrielli’s Ricercari which may have inspired Bach. Like listening to Bilsma, I find this inspiring for thinking about how Bach sought to speak through the music.

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