Double Bass Courante, 3rd Suite

[Simandl Fan]

How fast do you like to play the 3rd suite courante? I like it at 100 to the quarter, which is much slower than a lot of cellists play it. Just wondering how my fellow bassists play it- I'm working it up for an audition. (I'm also playing it as written, with all four capos open and hitting the low C.)

 

[mcnaire2004]

As written? As in at pitch or down a octave in C? Or as written in G? Capo?

There are a ton of different speeds and recordings. Just find one you can make music with and you can skip too.

 

[Simandl Fan]

as written, so the first note would be the open G string. I know everyone plays this in G but I love the low notes of our awesome instrument.

 

[Simandl Fan]

I meant to say...as written from the cello part, and since it's originally in C, the first note would be the C on the G string

 

[mcnaire2004]

Well when you read it in C you need to read a octave higher. That's where the correct place to play it is. Part of the reason many bass players choose G is because it isn't as physically daunting while also being in a good place for the instrument to sound good.

The cello suites don't really work down a octave unless you are in 5ths really. You can play it down a octave in 4ths but it just doesn't have the quality of G or just playing it at pitch in C (The C above the middle G harmonic on the G string).

-Max

 

[Simandl Fan]

Max,
That's the beauty of the suites...they speak to all of us in a different way. I've played the 3rd suite in G, where most bass players play it, but I like it in C, off the cello part. I know that will take me down to my low C, but I prefer the lower notes anyway. Good luck to you and me both.