Double Bass Ravel Concerto for the Left Hand Harmonics

[Dan Conwell]

There are some good discussions here on the Mother Goose Suite, but I'm not seeing anything on the Concerto for the Left Hand. At rehearsal number 30 the basses are divided into three parts. The bottom two parts are straight forward, but the top part is marked sul Re with a middle C, natural harmonic sign, and 8va.

I can find a 'c', way up off the fingerboard on the D string. Is that it? Thanks for your help!

Dan

 

[PaulCannon]

That's odd. The C harmonic on the D-string, which is naturally quite flat, would actually be 15va above the notated C. Let's pretend there's a missing "suono reale" and move on.

Here's the location for all the common nodes for the 7th partial on the D string (31-cents flat C-natural):

7th Partial on D string

• PaulCannon
• Mar 28, 2015

If the intonation bothers you, then you'll either need to play an artificial harmonic or a normal pitch. You can mimic the sound of a harmonic by playing sul tasto with a relatively fast bow speed and no pressure.

 

[eerbrev]

there's a guide to ravel harmonics by Lucas Drew. I have it, and i can check for you tomorrow.

in the meantime this might be helpful:

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[Dan Conwell]

Thank you!