I've been thinking I want to get into more orchestra stuff lately but I can't really find a piece that would be good for orchestral repertoire. Any etudes, solos, suites, or anything that could help me. To give you some context of what skill level I'm at I'm a 10th grade bassist, been doing it since the 7th grade, I've only really been taking bass seriously however for the last year (been trying to do 3 hours per day usually only end up doing 2, jazz, not orchestra stuff) before that I would spend roughly an hour a day on bass, so I would say I'm approaching intermediate technique (not quite there yet). The only etude I've done are some Gavotte's and and Simandl 17 but those were kinda easy and I was able to have them playable within like 4 days or something. Looking for a challenge, maybe something that would take me like a month to get sounding good. Sorry if this was difficult to read. Also, I don't know if I can ask this but does anyone have a link to a bass sheet music archive. If you can't answer that I understand. please don't take this down for that last question.
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Double Bass Question read only if your cool
- Thread starter Foland Ray
- Start date
I don't know if I'm cool, but I read your question anyway...
Yes, the Capuzzi is a pedagogical standard, along with the Benedetto Marcello sonatas. I like the Hrabe "86 Etudes" too, for musicality and emphasis on good fingering.
The above are - musically - solo things more than orchestral; there is more thumb-position work than you typically find in orchestral bass parts... but it's all good and can only help with orchestral skills.
Yes, the Capuzzi is a pedagogical standard, along with the Benedetto Marcello sonatas. I like the Hrabe "86 Etudes" too, for musicality and emphasis on good fingering.
The above are - musically - solo things more than orchestral; there is more thumb-position work than you typically find in orchestral bass parts... but it's all good and can only help with orchestral skills.
I had some "friends" run a background check. Aside from that thing in '87 you are good to go.
Hey there. Let me first recommend considering a private teacher if one is available in your area. That person will be able to program you repertoire tailored to your ability level and also to help develop specific aspects of your playing. Strongly recommended if you are considering studying music (esp. music performance) at a university/conservatory.
If not, consider:
If not, consider:
- The Suzuki bass books. You may want to start at Book 3 or 4. One of those has the Simandl etude 17 as part of the rep. Book 5 ends with the first movement of the Capuzzi concerto.
- The Progressive Repertoire (3 + Vade Mecum) books by George Vance. A good introduction to the Rabbath fingering method. Book 3 ends with the first movement of the Dragonetti concerto.
- Simandl Bass Method. Comprehensive, thorough, dry. Considered by many to be the Bible of bass.
- Simandl 30 Etudes. If you liked #17, consider checking out some of the other ones.
- Sonatas - Marcello 6 Sonatas; Vivaldi Sonatas; Eccles (more advanced)
- Orchestral Excerpts. Check out this website for sheet music and some recorded examples. Double Bass - Orchestra Excerpts.
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In the immortal words of Mrs. Cleaver to Wally when he was trying to be cool with Eddie Haskell and it backfired- "Sometimes I think that being cool means being NOT SO HOT" (paraphrasing). Profound.
Hey, guys, let's not chase @Foland Ray away with our snark, unintentional as it may be.
Indeed. New member, high school bassist, asking us for advice. Let's cut him some slack. Support the youth!
I speak truth to the youth, I say hey youth, here's the truth, better wear bullet proof. (This was very cool when I was young).
As you were...
As you were...
Ok, back in line then...
Simandl 17 is frequently used as a youth orchestra/All County/All State piece audition so if, in the words of the OP, "..those were kinda easy" would suggest a somewhat advanced level of technique already there. If so, and depending on what "sounding good" actually means, there are multiple classical solo pieces (perhaps Bach famous Cello suites) that would be challenging to play. Best of luck.
Simandl 17 is frequently used as a youth orchestra/All County/All State piece audition so if, in the words of the OP, "..those were kinda easy" would suggest a somewhat advanced level of technique already there. If so, and depending on what "sounding good" actually means, there are multiple classical solo pieces (perhaps Bach famous Cello suites) that would be challenging to play. Best of luck.
