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Bass Guitars in Orchestra's?

D

doctormoose87

Feb 12, 2011
80
0
Hereford UK
#1
Hey all

Hope your well in whichever part of the world you in.

I was watching the new Tim Minchin dvd, the one with the orchestra, and saw that there was a chap playing a bass guitar. Now normally when I think of the bass sections of an orchestra I think of cellos, tuba's etc and was surprised to see a bassist.

I was just wondering how often orchestra's play with a bassist as well as a bass section and if there is much call/need to have one.

Anyone have any clues?
 
#2
Very many (it's pretty safe to say pretty much all) have a bassist. Usually (almost always) an upright. I have played electric with my schools orchestra, but there was a song that specifically called for an electric bass.
 
#3
Most of the standard symphonic compositions (written B.L.--before Leo) were written with double bass in mind. Unless the room acoustics are so bad that double basses can't be heard, most conductors will prefer double bass. Some student orchestras may not be able to afford double basses, so electric could substitute...but that's more common in student jazz ensembles.

Practicing symphonic compositions is good for electric players, though. Play Bach and you could be ready for most anything: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#11
doctormoose87 said:
Hey all

Hope your well in whichever part of the world you in.

I was watching the new Tim Minchin dvd, the one with the orchestra, and saw that there was a chap playing a bass guitar. Now normally when I think of the bass sections of an orchestra I think of cellos, tuba's etc and was surprised to see a bassist.

I was just wondering how often orchestra's play with a bassist as well as a bass section and if there is much call/need to have one.

Anyone have any clues?
Click to expand...

Saw an orchestra recently and watched the bass violas for a while. It occurred to me there should be the First Basses and Second Basses, as with violins. But then again, consider the source.
:bassist:
 
#13
Orchestras have occasional use for instruments such as saxaphone and electric bass, but don't retain those players full time. A friend of mine gets occasional calls to play orchestral sax parts. Note that most upright players also play electric.
 

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