Double Bass Transitioning from orchestra playing to solo

[Andy Mopley]

I was wondering what the journey has looked like (for those that have taken it).
I imagine that when you are the featured artist, a lot of things that may be less noticeable when playing in a section would suddenly come to the fore, eg a greater emphasis on articulation, dynamics, stamina?? Or may be not? Conversely, can the journey end in a realization that soloing is not everyone's cup of tea? (and there is nothing wrong with this).

Regards to all

 

[David Potts]

My efforts to play solos lasted long enough to secure a permanent position in the full-time orchestra where I spent the next 32 years. In a different era my rendition of two contrasting movements of the Dittersdorf Concerto was enough to get me over the line. Because I was a late starter (23years old) I was glad to get on with my life (marriage, mortgage and family). If I had aspired to be a Principal I would have worked further on solo repertoire and more difficult study material, and on promoting myself at every opportunity. I never felt that I was lazy. Orchestral life was busy, often staging repeat performances after three rehearsals while preparing ahead for the next programmes or recordings.

It would be far easier to promote yourself as a soloist from the safety of a tenured academic position. Then again the tenured academic positions may be filled with would-be soloists who failed!!!

Most of us mere mortals used solos to get through high school, college or university/conservatorium successfully IMO.

 

[Neil Pye]

I love playing solo, but it's not a living. It's also very very different from orchestral playing. Everything needs to be up a notch. More intense, focused sound, much more projection and dynamic contrast. You have to keep them listening TO YOU. It's hard, but really exciting. Sweat the details, the detail is what makes the performance. Articulation, dynamics, bow control, tempo. Work and more work, then do some work! Go to it, not enough bassists try, and it's a beautiful thing to hear a well played bass singing