Double Bass Pictures at an exhibition

[SVT4001]

I have broken it up into two bows sometimes {bejoyous' bowing) with success, but I am a Frenchie and it may work differently for German bow. Reality is that it is so fast and the bass can't speak with full tone that quickly so just go for loud first and as many notes as possible in order to add weight to the other higher strings. As Principal be mindful of, but not blindly obedient to, the Principal Cellist's bowing. As Tutti player be versatile enough to follow your leader ASAP.

If you are studying orchestral parts for fun I am sure we could start a new thread of suggested pieces and why them.

Cheers, DP

Great idea for a thread!

Caution: One should be mindful when studying orchestra repertoire on their own to observe conventional bowings. It would be most unfortunate, and perhaps even difficult to have to "unlearn" ingrained bowings if/when the time comes that you get to apply the fruits of your labor in an actual performance.

Joe

 

[Andy Mopley]

Joe,

what you say is true yet the very nature of this thread (and others) would seem to indicate that, to David's earlier point, versatility is the key. I have seen music where the bowing indicated have often been changed by the conductor and or the principal! So perhaps the key, when practicing, is to keep an open mind to the possibilities. My 2c worth.

 

[neilG]

IMO, some "traditional" bowings are downright ridiculous, for reasons we could discuss, but I agree, versatility is needed.

 

[Andy Mopley]

I am down with that, Neil

 

[LouisF]

Any one have other ideas?

 

[neilG]

I always get flack when I comment on Lieberman's demos, but I don't care. If you want to stand out and not blend in with everyone else playing the passage, play it as he does.
While it could be more than a bit more musical, Mark Morton's video is more like what you need to do. A conductor will bend and shape this passage in the real world.

 

[Paps]

Yes, played the Ravel version a few years ago. More demanding than it looks. A beautiful, epic but intense and exhausting piece. My bowing was similar to the Bejoyous bowing and I broke it up.
Sections? No rules in our section.
Andrew Morton from what I have read, insisted that all his section did exactly what he does, including his Simandl Plus fingering system. This didn't always go down well! (I have the book and it is definitely worth studying)
Whatever about bowings and the visual effect of conformity, I would be concerned if I was told how to finger...well I think I know exactly how I would finger and which 2 to use!!