Double Bass Bowing in Strauss Four Last Song

[John Witchell]

I am playing the Four Last Songs for the first time, with previous bowing marks that seem all over the place. Are phrase marks simply phrase marks, or do they denote slurred bowing? Or do you bow according to what feels comfortable?

 

[THE SAW]

That piece necessitates breaking up the slurs- make them smooth and generally dolce, fitting in to the phrases.
Gorgeous piece!

 

[THE SAW]

That piece necessitates breaking up the written slurs- make them smooth and generally dolce, fitting in to the phrases.
Gorgeous piece!

 

[John Witchell]

Thanks - that's very helpful and endorses my feeling about the phrasing. As you say, fantastic pieces and thank goodness I've got a C extension!

 

[Neil Pye]

In general, phrasing marks are just that - phrasing. Where you can, the slurs should be played in one bow, but the important thing is the sense of the phrasing, and finding a way to bow it that suits the section, and fits where possible with the cellos. Not always easy! Four Last Songs is gorgeous

 

[John Witchell]

Thanks for your helpful comments. I agree with you entirely, but from previous markings in the score it seems that some players have chopped up the phrasing in a way to make it easier to play rather than musically coherent. As you say the intended phrasing of the composer is not always the easiest, but someone like Strauss knew what he was doing and knew what wanted. I will do my best to oblige!

 

[DoubleBassBass]

See what you think to the bowings taken from the archives of the New York Phil

 

[John Witchell]

Many thanks: if it’s right for the New York Phil I’m sure it will be good enough for Kettering Symphony Orchestra! I am away from home at the moment, but will explore it when I get back. Very much appreciated. John