Double Bass bach prelude

[BMason]

This is definitely the kind of thing to start at a slow temp and gradually get faster.

Works every time...

 

[vitoliuzzi]

A very strong left hand if you used the strings you have described. If I can tell you little suggestments, sometimes you have choosen too difficult fingerings, expecially in the first part, with a lo of use of the thumb moved back. Praeludium is not so complicate! The result is a not so good tuning and to use three strings instead of two. Also in the final part. Then try not to change tempo in a rapid manner: Bach was simpler. WIth good fingerings and a more relaxed performance, your Bach will sound great! You have all the technical characteristics to play it much better.
Only one thing. With Corellis it much simpler to play Bach, expecially with low tension strings. A lot of great performers switch to them, also to have a similar cello sound. But it's a question of choise!

You are on the right way. Bravo!

Regards

Vito Liuzzi

 

[rprowse]

Hey Jmnbass, great effort. I'm working on the same suite, but I'm about 400 years older than you!
There's been some great advice given here.
Again, well done.
Bravo!

 

[jsbachsonata]

Hey that was good work. I just want to give a few suggestions for improvement.

As mentioned before, the tempo/rhythm is an area that needs to be worked on.

Much of this problem comes from the fact that you really seem to be extremely tense during your performance. I can actually hear this tension in your playing. Just relax and play the bach at a really really slow pace for a few days until you feel like you're going to go to sleep. Then you'll feel much more relaxed psychologically. In terms of the phyical aspects, the tension is obviously caused by your strings and the size of your bass, and you have overcome these obstactles well.

In regards to the bow, I have to say that this is the part that needs the most work. Your string crossings are too exaggerated (or too wide i guess). With a lot less movement in string crossing you can still reach the strings you want to reach. You can practice this in very very slow tempos until your muscles have the string crossings memorized. In your performance slurred notes are irregular because you have allowed for the weight of your bow to direct you instead of your arm muscles to direct you. If you had an apple and a large boulder in each hand you would want to place them down on the ground in the same gentle fashion and would not want to let the apple get tossed up in the air while the boulder in your other hand forces you to put your weight there. Some parts of your bow are going to feel like apples and some parts are going to feel like boulders, so your job is to control the bow to achieve a peaceful consistency.

Keep on working on it!