Double Bass Edgar Meyer vs. Yo-Yo Ma re: Bach Cello Suites

[phatphingers]

Hello,

I'm a new member of the Dark Side, having taken UB lessons now for about 2 months. I picked up Edgar Meyer's CD playing the Bach Unaccompanied Suites for Cello and it's amazing stuff - especially for a newby like me. However when contrasted to Yo-Yo Ma's recording, the pitch is noticeably different. For the first Cello Suite in G, Meyer sounds to be playing a whole step higher.

Can anyone explain to me how the difference in tuning is achieved? Is Edgar tuning in 5th's, as would a cello, and if so is this standard procedure when approaching anything originally written for cello?

I'm curious because most university auditions require a movement from a Bach Cello Suite as part of the repertoire. I am years away from auditioning for such a program, but I am very much intrigued. Thanks for your input!

Tom

 

[Mike Goodbar]

Many double bass players tune their instruments up one whole step (using strings made specially for this purpose) when playing solo repertoire, for a tuning of F#, B, E, A. It just gives a more, well... soloistic sound.

Edgar does this, but usually leaves his lowest string at E for a more extended range.

 

[phatphingers]

Yes, I understand Meyer on the bass - I was a huge fan of his (Appalachian Journey, stuff with Chris Thile, etc.) but I was wondering how the difference in pitch between the instruments is accomodated.

 

[phatphingers]

That makes sense. So in an audition for a university degree program (or any other orchestra audition, for that matter) would the alternate tuning be the norm or the exception?

 

[Ed Fuqua]

well also, there are some key changes to accommodate differences in fingering, keeping open strings open (where it makes sense to) etc.

 

[PaulCannon]

That makes sense. So in an audition for a university degree program (or any other orchestra audition, for that matter) would the alternate tuning be the norm or the exception?

Most American programs will expect you to be in orchestral tuning (the standard EADG), particularly if the audition includes excerpts of any kind.

The key in which your chosen Bach repertoire is in would be largely up to you. The first suite is generally played at pitch (that is, the same octave as the original cello part) in G major, though I've seen editions down a fifth in C major. Honestly, if you are comfortable in thumb position the G major is quite a bit easier.

I've seen the second suite both at pitch (D minor) and down a minor third in B minor.

Most bassists take the third suite down a fourth (G major). Many orchestra auditions will ask for all or parts of the third suite, and it is not uncommon to see it specified to be played in the key of G. However, it is totally possible at pitch (C major).

The fourth suite is commonly done in D major, though I've seen it performed several times in the original E-flat.

 

[phatphingers]

Thanks Paul!

 

[boylebass]

For comparison, you should listen to the Rostropovich recording. It's my personal favorite. I think the Meyer recording is kind of 'cold'.

 

[phatphingers]

I've heard some of the rostro. I think the rostro is probably the better performance, but it's still a cello

 

[alexisbass]

I was surprised on how mechanical the Meyer performance is. On bass the master of these is without a doubt Rabbath, who IMHO is coming more from a Casals cello interpretation. There is an amazing video of Rostropovich talking about the suites and playing and analyzing them on Piano, it's really great. Perhaps on youtube?