Double Bass Ravel Bass harmonics

[SVT4001]

I have a question regarding the bass harmonics in Ravel's "Mother Goose" Ballet.

Ravel uses a system of notation for his harmonics that I learned to play using a chart called:"The Notation Of Harmonics For Double Bass-A Guide to the Orchestra Bass Parts of Maurice Ravel in Simplified Chart Form" by Lucas Drew, Univeristy Of Miami Music Publications. From here on out, I will refer to it as "The Chart"

In the bass part and score for "Mother Goose", there are notations which instruct the player to use a 5th string, but no indication is given as to what pitch that string is to be tuned to (at least none that I have seen).

In "The Chart", there is reference to a low "C" string, and a phrase which states: "In two works Ravel writes harmonics for a fifth string tuned to C. The harmonic may be played on a fifth string (C) or on a four string with the C extension mechanism." and cites an example.

In another thread, it was suggested by a source I believe to be credible and informed that the 5th string refered to was meant to be a "B" string.

So, my question is "What is the general consensus on this matter?"


Thanks a lot in advance!

Joe

 

[MDEbass]

What note is the harmonic?

 

[Square Bear]

i made the comment in the other thread that you are referring to. i'm looking at the part right now, and the indication says "CB à 5 cordes" with no indication that the bass be tuned other than normal.

 

[Square Bear]

there are 2 different notes written with this indication. the first, i believe, is a B that is playable on the E string as well. it's the B a whole step above the tuning A harmonic. the second note is an A (same as a tuning A) only to be played at the fingered F on the B string (2 octaves plus 7th above the open string resulting in a horribly flat A). it's really a pain in the ass trying to figure this stuff out, but the way ravel wrote it is straightforward enough. i'm just trying to figure this out off the top of my head, so i could be mistaken too. hope this helps!

 

[robobass]

I side with Lucas Drew. All the Ravel harmonics I've seen seem to be based on a C-V, or CEADG tuning. In this example (lowest F on the fifth string), I think the intended pitch is written middle "C", two octaves up from the open C, so it is in tune. This makes the notes convenient for C-extension players, but not for Germans who tend to use BEADG tuning. I don't know what the French do.

 

[User4843936]

I played this a few weeks ago - the harmonics are intended for a bottom C string. So it doesn't really matter if you've got a fifth string or an extension, all he wants are the C (octave) and G (twelfth) harmonics.. But as you say, i think the majority of players would ordinarily have a bottom B string, just to keep things simpler with regard the fingering. In his youtube videos bassist Andy Anderson has a Pollmann 5er which has a bottom C.....Suppose it's just down to preference! I'd love a five string bass for orchestra, my fingered extension just seems so faffy...

 

[User4843936]

oops, i meant the C two octaves above the open string.